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Toronto Maple Leafs: Adam Brooks Signs Entry Level Deal

By Bruce Harte Ashley

Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello speaks on the phone during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello speaks on the phone during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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 The Toronto Maple Leafs sign 2016 4th round pick

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced a signing yesterday afternoon. Adam Brooks selected 94th in the 4th round in the 2016 draft has inked a three-year entry-level deal. The 21-year-old Winnipeg native led the WHL in scoring during the 2016 season with a league leading  82 assists and 120 points. Brooks upped his totals in 2017 with a 130 point campaign in only 66 games. He finished second by one point to linemate Sam Steel in the 2017 WHL scoring race. Due to his leadership qualities, the Regina Pats named him captain for 2016-17 season.

Selected by the Pats in the second round of the 2011 WHL draft, Brooks finished his WHL career with 335 points in 317 games.

The Leafs took notice due to a tremendous 2015-16 season. A late bloomer, Brooks was part of the Toronto Maple Leafs 2016 overage draft strategy which sought inefficiencies other clubs may have overlooked. The Leafs chose four overage players from the 2016 entry draft.

Adam Brooks, Yegor Korshkov, selected 31st, Vladimir Bobylyov at 122nd and American Jack Walker at 152nd, were each drafted after being passed over previous years.

"His game is based around skill, solid skating, quick hands and offensive zone timing and sense. Brooks’ stride is well above average as he has good acceleration as well as top speed. He possesses good agility and balance on his feet and can use his footwork to create separation against defencemen, especially in-tight. Brooks has nifty hands and controls the puck well. He can produce offense both off the rush as well as from controlled possession.His hands and skating are both good but neither aspect would classify as elite at the next level. Brooks creates most of his offense through his instincts. He reads soft spots and breakdowns in coverage well and will consistently find spots with the puck on his stick in high-percentage areas. There he is smart enough to find open line mates or finish on his own.www.mapleleafshotstove.com"

The Regina Pats captain scored 18 points in 17 postseason games during an injury-plagued post season. The 5’11, 176lb.,  center fills an immediate need for the Toronto Marlies who are uncertain as to their depth down the middle for the 2017-18 season. Brooks will likely slot in as the Marlies 2nd or 3rd line C with the opportunity to move up based on play.

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Brooks will need a rigorous summer in the gym to pack on more muscle. The AHL’s  physicality will challenge him, however, his speed, quickness, and vision will work to his advantage.

Toronto’s Organizational Depth at Centre is a Weakness

The Toronto Marlies lack depth at centre with only Trevor Moore signed for next season. U of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs Dominic Toninato, selected in the 5th round, 2012 is the only other prospect option at C and will need a contract by August 15 or he will become a free agent. I am hopeful Toninato joins former teammate Tony Cameranesi on the Marlies roster for the 2017-18 season.

Next: Who the Leafs Should Sign As UFAs

Adam Brooks reminds me of Connor Brown. While Brown jumped to the AHL Marlies at age 20, Brooks played an extra season for the Pats. Both see the ice extremely well and their skating is a strength. As a result of Brooks near elite speed, he has the ability to create space while separating himself from the back check. In addition, he may have better on-ice vision than Brown. That my friends is exciting.

all stats: Eliteprospects.com, 2016 NHL Draft Blackbook, whl.ca, marlies.ca

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