The Toronto Maple Leafs left some interesting prospects on the board for the Vegas Golden Knights in the expansion draft, of which they drafted winger Brendan Leipsic.
Here’s a little about the Winnipeg, Manitoba native.
Scouting Report
A third-round pick in 2012, Leipsic is 5-foot-9 and weighs 175 pounds. He is a skilled playmaker, a solid two-way player that has found ways to be productive everywhere he’s been. He isn’t believed to have the skill to play a top skill role at the NHL level, but could still be a solid contributor as a role player maybe even as soon as this season.
Leipsic has an innate ability to get under his opponent’s skin. Leipsic has been called the most annoying prospect in hockey by the Hockey News and has apparently won an award for his trouble. He’s the kind of player you’d hate to face, but would love to have him on your team.
Numbers, numbers, numbers
Leipsic has found a way to be productive, despite his size.
He played 49 games for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies last year, finishing with 51 points (18 goals, 33 assists). That followed a campaign of 54 points in 65 games two years prior.
Three seasons ago, he split time with the Milwaukee Admirals and the Marlies due to a trade between the Nashville Predators and Maple Leafs involving Cody Franson. That season resulted in 54 points in 74 games for Leipsic.
Before that, Leipsic tallied 159 points in 188 games after a stellar career with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks (302 points in 261 games).
He played in six games for the Maple Leafs two seasons ago, managing to score one goal and tallying two assists.
The Verdict
Leipsic might have been the best available player Vegas could have selected from Toronto.
He’s shown the ability to put points on the board and, based on his AHL numbers, he may be NHL ready right now. Though he might not be a top end scorer, having depth is always a good thing.
The Golden Knights could definitely use that production while searching for players that can score goals in Year One. Keep an eye on Leipsic come training camp time.