landon sim

Maple Leafs Sign Landon Sim to Two-Year Entry-Level Contract: A Nova Scotia Prospect Takes the Next Step

The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially added another piece to their prospect pipeline with the signing of forward Landon Sim to a two-year, entry-level contract that begins in the 2026–27 NHL season. The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks a significant milestone for the 21-year-old native of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia—a player whose journey has been shaped by resilience, development, and steady progress through junior and professional hockey.

Sim, who skated in 13 games for the Toronto Marlies this past AHL season, becomes the latest young talent under the Maple Leafs’ umbrella as the organization continues its push toward building a deeper, more versatile roster capable of competing for a Stanley Cup. While he may not yet be a household name among Canadian hockey fans, his path reflects a growing trend of undrafted or late-round prospects finding new opportunities after slipping through the cracks of major draft commitments.

Recent Developments: What’s Happening Now?

On Tuesday, the Maple Leafs confirmed via official team statement that they had signed Sim to an entry-level contract (ELC). The deal is set to run for two years, beginning next season, giving both the player and the organization time to assess his fit within the NHL lineup. According to multiple verified reports from TSN, NHL.com, and Pension Plan Puppets—a trusted Maple Leafs-focused outlet—Sim will remain under contract through the 2027–28 campaign unless promoted earlier.

At 21 years old, Sim isn’t exactly a rookie anymore, but he hasn’t quite reached the point where he’s expected to make an immediate impact at the NHL level. His most recent season was spent entirely with the Marlies, where he appeared in 13 regular-season contests. Though those numbers don’t scream “NHL-ready,” they do suggest a player who understands the grind required to succeed in pro hockey.

What makes Sim’s story particularly interesting is how he ended up in Toronto. Originally selected by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round of the 2022 NHL Draft, Sim was never signed to a contract by St. Louis. That left him as a free agent two years later, ultimately joining the Maple Leafs organization on May 5, 2024, signing a one-year minor-league deal with the Marlies.

Now, thanks to this new ELC, he’s secured his place in the NHL system—something many drafted players take for granted. It’s a testament to his work ethic and the scouting staff’s belief in his potential.

Context: From OHL Stardom to Professional Uncertainty

Before landing in Toronto, Sim spent several formative seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the London Knights. During that time, he established himself as a reliable two-way forward, contributing offensively while also being relied upon defensively.

However, his tenure in London wasn’t without controversy. In November 2024, Sim received a five-game suspension from the OHL for using language deemed inappropriate during a game against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds—a violation of the league’s code of conduct. He was handed a game misconduct after the first period and subsequently suspended for the remainder of the playoffs, which cut short what had been a promising postseason run for the Knights.

Despite the setback, Sim rebounded quickly. By the end of the OHL season, he was back on the ice, helping lead the Knights to a Memorial Cup berth alongside teammate Kaleb Lawrence. Both players were instrumental in the Knights’ deep playoff push, showcasing their leadership and composure under pressure.

After leaving the OHL, Sim transitioned into professional hockey, initially signing with the St. Louis Blues organization before becoming a free agent. His decision to join Toronto instead of pursuing other options speaks volumes about his desire to develop in a system known for nurturing young talent—and perhaps also reflects a strategic move by the Maple Leafs to bolster depth along the wings.

Performance Snapshot: Where Does Sim Stand?

According to Elite Prospects and HockeyDB, Sim’s career statistics paint a picture of a consistent, if unspectacular, player. Over parts of three OHL seasons, he recorded over 60 points across nearly 200 games—a solid output for a defense-first winger. More importantly, his faceoff success rate and penalty-kill contributions stood out to scouts familiar with his game.

In the AHL last season, Sim logged limited ice time but showed flashes of offensive creativity and hockey IQ. While he didn’t light up the scoreboard with goals or assists, his ability to move the puck effectively and play responsibly in all zones suggests he could carve out a niche as a depth forward in the NHL.

It’s worth noting that the AHL is often seen as a developmental league, so small sample sizes are common—especially for players like Sim, who are still refining their game at the pro level. Still, the fact that the Maple Leafs chose to invest in him with an ELC indicates they see long-term value beyond just this season.

Immediate Impact: What Does This Mean for the Maple Leafs?

For the Maple Leafs, adding Sim doesn’t necessarily signal a major roster overhaul—but it does provide depth and insurance. With key forwards like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander locked in long-term contracts, the real competition happens down the depth chart.

Sim joins a group of young wingers vying for backup roles behind established stars. Players such as Pontus Holmberg, Nick Robertson, and recently called-up Ilya Lyubushkin have all had moments in recent seasons, but injuries and inconsistent performance have left some roster spots open.

By securing Sim now, the Leafs ensure they won’t lose him to waivers or another team come training camp. It also gives head coach Sheldon Keefe another option when managing line combinations during the grueling 82-game schedule.

Moreover, Sim’s Canadian roots add a homegrown narrative that resonates well with fans. As someone from Nova Scotia, he represents the Maritime provinces—a region historically underserved in NHL talent pools compared to Ontario or Quebec. Celebrating local athletes helps strengthen community ties and inspires younger players across Atlantic Canada.

Future Outlook: Can Sim Make the Leap?

So what’s next for Landon Sim? The short answer: development. For the foreseeable future, he’ll likely spend at least part of each season in the AHL, honing his skills and adapting to faster, more physical play than he faced in the OHL.

If he can increase his scoring touch, improve his defensive reliability, and stay healthy, there’s a realistic chance he could crack the NHL roster as early as next season. However, given the depth of Toronto’s forward group, it’s equally possible he spends another year or two in the minors before getting a serious look at the big leagues.

One encouraging sign is Sim’s willingness to embrace the grind. Unlike many high-potential players who burn out before reaching the NHL, Sim has shown patience and professionalism throughout his career. He’s taken the road less traveled—being undrafted by one team and then unclaimed as a free agent—but instead of folding, he kept pushing forward.

His situation mirrors a growing trend in modern hockey: organizations increasingly value character, consistency, and hockey sense over raw star power. Sim may never become a superstar, but he could evolve into a dependable fourth-line contributor—someone who kills penalties, shuts down top opponents, and provides energy when needed.

Broader Implications: The Value of Late-Blooming Prospects

Sim’s journey highlights a broader shift in how teams evaluate talent. Gone are the days when only first-round picks were considered viable NHL material. Today, savvy executives recognize that late-round selections or unsigned draftees can become valuable assets if developed properly.

The Maple Leafs, under general manager Brad Treliving and supported by president Brendan Shanahan, have built a reputation for developing overlooked players. Names like Alex Galchenyuk (drafted in the second round but never signed) and others who found new life elsewhere underscore the risks of letting talent slip away. By signing Sim, the Leafs are avoiding that mistake and betting on a player who might not have gotten another shot otherwise.

Additionally, this move aligns with the NHL’s increasing emphasis on analytics and player versatility. Sim’s two-way game fits well within the modern definition of a “complete” forward—a rare commodity in today’s speed-focused league.

Conclusion: A Quiet Milestone with Growing Importance

While Landon Sim may not headline headlines or dominate highlight reels, his signing by the Toronto Maple Leafs represents something far more meaningful: a quiet victory for perseverance, a nod to the importance of development systems, and a reminder that every NHL roster starts with players who once stood exactly where Sim is now.

As the 2025–26 season approaches, keep an eye on Sim during Marlies training camp. Will he earn a permanent spot in the AHL? Could he surprise observers with an early call-up? Only time will tell.

But one thing is certain: the path from New Glasgow to Scotiabank Arena hasn’t been easy