The Next Michael Bunting: Group 6 UFA’s for the Toronto Maple Leafs

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 17: Michael Bunting #58 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 17, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Penguins 4-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 17: Michael Bunting #58 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 17, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Penguins 4-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
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Toronto Maple Leafs
MONTREAL, QC – MAY 03: Adam Brooks #77 of the Toronto Maple Leafs  . (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Adam Brooks – Centre – Played for Toronto Maple Leafs (2019-2021)

NHL Totals
43 Games
6 Goals
11 Points

Adam Brooks was a 4th round pick for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.  He played a few great season with the Toronto Marlies, and in 2020-21, he had four goals and an assist in 11 games with the  Leafs.

Brooks was one of the Leafs final cuts at training camp this season.  The team wanted Brooks to start the season with the Marlies, but he was claimed by the Montreal Canadiens when he was put on waivers.

Actually, Brooks was a real journeyman this season as he was later claimed by the Vegas Golden Knight, then the Toronto Maple Leafs and finally the Winnipeg Jets.  Brooks couldn’t seem to get comfortable with any of these new teams and his point production wasn’t great this season as a result with only five points 25 games.

The Leafs obviously want Brooks on their team as they claimed him off waivers back in February, but it might just be as an minor leaguer who can sub onto the big club when injuries occur.  Since he’s a Winnipeg native, I thought he’d stick with the Jets, but after going pointless in 14 games since arriving in Winnipeg, I’m not sure if they’ll re-sign him.