The Toronto Maple Leafs have extended forward Adam Brooks. The two-way new deal is for two years and will cost Toronto $725 thousand at the NHL level. Chris Johnston of Sportsnet broke the news Thursday morning.
Adam Brooks signs a two-year, two-way extension with the #leafs. AAV is $725,000 at the NHL level.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 14, 2020
Maple Leafs Extend Adam Brooks
The 24-year-old Brooks played most of 2019-20 with the Toronto AHL affiliate. He scored nine goals and 20 points in 29 games before North American hockey was shut down as a result of the current global pandemic. This was the third season in which Brooks suited up for the Marlies. He has 38 goals and 79 points in 147 AHL games. He also played in seven NHL games this season with three assists.
The Leafs originally selected Brooks in the fourth round of the 2016 Draft. Injuries have hurt him for much of his career but he has been a decent goal scoring option when healthy. Brooks is a very fast skater and has been capable of scoring goals in his amateur and minor league careers. Brooks is an average-sized player at 5’10, 174 pounds but his skating ability helps him survive against bigger, stronger opponents. He also has a strong relationship with current Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe. That might help boost him to the NHL level in the next two seasons.
What This Means for the Future
Brooks will need to prove he can stay on the ice before he gets a serious look at the NHL level. He has some good skills but that means nothing if injuries continue to get in the way. Toronto is stacked with cheap forwards as well. Playing time could be hard to find.
The Maple Leafs still have several decisions to make regarding its roster. They have to decide on new contracts for veterans including Jason Spezza and Frederik Gauthier. The salary cap is projected to stay flat at $81.5 million so Toronto could be forced into some tough choices. Brooks could be a cheap alternative in an unknown future.
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