Leafs prospect off to a red hot start after being among first cuts from training camp roster
After 19-year-old Brandon Lisowsky led all Maple Leafs prospects in goals at the Traverse City prospects tournament, scoring 4 times in 3 games, it appeared as though he might be ready to make some noise in training camp. However, just a few days into camp, Lisowsky found himself on his way back to the Saskatoon Blades in the WHL, among the first wave of Leafs training camp roster cuts.
Lisowsky was never expected to make the Maple Leafs out of camp, nor was he expected to even challenge for a roster spot. However, being one of the first cuts appears to have only motivated him as he has begun his 2023-24 season on an absolute tear.
After scoring 4 goals at the Traverse City tourney in mid-September, Lisowsky is off to a solid start with the Blades this season, trekking along at a point-per-game pace, with 3 points in 3 games in the WHL.
The diminutive forward stands just 5'9, 179 lbs, but he hasn't let his size get in the way of being a productive player in Saskatoon. After breaking out with 33 goals and 58 points in 68 games in 2021-22, Lisowsky took yet another huge step forward last season, notching 38 goals and adding 33 assists for a total of 71 points in just 65 games. He appears motivated to surpass those totals and to come back to camp next fall on a mission to put the Leafs on notice that he's ready to take that next step.
Lisowsky will be 20 in April, which means he'll have the opportunity to turn pro and play in the AHL next season - an opportunity that he was ineligible for this season. While his focus is certainly on making the NHL roster, his path likely takes him through the AHL first. If he can excel the same way there, it will only be a matter of time before he's ready to join the NHL ranks.
| POLL | ||
1 OCTOBRE | 274 ANSWERS Leafs prospect off to a red hot start after being among first cuts from training camp roster How do you feel about the Leafs' current prospect pool? | ||
| I think it's pretty strong for a contending team | 177 | 64.6 % |
| It's okay, nothing special | 75 | 27.4 % |
| It's not a very deep pool | 22 | 8 % |
| List of polls | ||
