Summary
The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed young forward Landon Sim to a two-year, entry-level contract. This new deal is set to begin in the 2026-2027 hockey season. Sim is a 21-year-old player who has been playing in the minor leagues for the Toronto organization this year. By signing this contract, the Maple Leafs secure his rights and bring him into their long-term plans as a depth player.
Main Impact
This signing gives the Maple Leafs more options for their roster over the next few years. Landon Sim is known for being a very physical player who does not back down from a challenge. While he may not be a star scorer in the NHL right away, his tough style of play is something many teams look for in their bottom lineup. This move helps the team build a stronger group of players in their minor league system who can be called up to the main team when needed.
Key Details
What Happened
Landon Sim was originally a draft pick for the St. Louis Blues in 2022. However, the Blues decided not to sign him to a contract before their deadline passed. This allowed Sim to become a free agent, meaning any team could sign him. After playing another year of junior hockey, he joined the Toronto Marlies on a minor-league contract. His hard work this season convinced the Maple Leafs to give him a full NHL entry-level deal.
Important Numbers and Facts
Sim stands 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs about 187 pounds. Even though he is not the largest player, he plays a very aggressive game. Here are some key facts about his recent performance:
- He scored 30 goals in a single season while playing for the London Knights in junior hockey.
- He helped the London Knights win the Memorial Cup in 2025.
- This season, he played 13 games in the American Hockey League (AHL) and 18 games in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).
- In those 31 total games, he recorded 75 penalty minutes, showing his willingness to play a physical role.
- The new contract lasts for two years and keeps him under team control until at least 2028.
Background and Context
Hockey is a family business for the Sim family. Landon is the son of Jon Sim, a former professional player who spent many years in the NHL. Having a father who played at the highest level often helps young players understand the professional lifestyle and the effort required to succeed. Landon played his junior hockey for the London Knights, a team famous for developing many NHL stars. His time there included a major championship win, which proved he can perform well on a winning team.
Public or Industry Reaction
Hockey experts see this as a low-risk move for Toronto. In the NHL, teams are allowed to have 50 player contracts at one time. With this signing, Toronto now has 33 contracts set for next season. This leaves them plenty of room to sign other players or make trades. Fans of the team often appreciate players who bring "grit" and energy to the ice. While Sim is considered a long shot to become a regular NHL starter immediately, having a player with his toughness in the system is seen as a positive step for the organization's depth.
What This Means Going Forward
Landon Sim will likely spend most of next season playing for the Toronto Marlies in the AHL. This will give him more time to grow and adjust to the speed of professional hockey. The Maple Leafs will watch his progress closely. If the main team needs a player who can provide physical energy or fill in for an injured teammate, Sim could get a chance to play his first NHL game. Because he is only 21, the team has several years to decide if he will become a permanent part of their main roster. When his contract ends in 2028, he will be a restricted free agent, which means Toronto will still have the first chance to keep him.
Final Take
The decision to sign Landon Sim shows that the Maple Leafs value toughness and hard work. It is a smart move that adds a different type of player to their system without costing a lot of money or roster space. By giving Sim a two-year deal, the team is betting on his ability to develop into a reliable depth player who can help them in physical games.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an entry-level contract?
An entry-level contract is a standard deal for young players entering the NHL for the first time. These contracts have set salary limits and usually last between one and three years depending on the player's age.
Who did Landon Sim play for before the Maple Leafs?
Before joining the Toronto organization, Sim played for the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He was also a draft pick of the St. Louis Blues but never signed a contract with them.
Is Landon Sim related to any other NHL players?
Yes, he is the son of Jon Sim. Jon Sim was a forward who played over 400 games in the NHL for teams like the Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, and New York Islanders.
