Fantasy Impact: The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed defenseman T.J. Brennan to a one-year contract worth $600,000.

The Leafs get: an offensive defenseman who was drafted just outside of the first round (31st overall in 2007). Brennan turned pro in 2009 and at the AHL level he steadily improved his production until by last season he was actually leading Rochester with 35 points in 36 games. He made the Sabres, but only because he had to clear waivers to be sent down. As a result of that rule, he spent more time in the press box than on the ice.

Brennan was eventually moved to the Panthers for a fifth-rounder and he had nine points in 19 games for them. But his minus-8 was an eyesore. He was traded earlier this summer to Nashville for Bobby Butler. Nashville decided not to qualify him, so he became a free agent.

Fantasy Players Impacted: Toronto is already set at defense. Take a look:

Dion Phaneuf

Jake Gardiner

Cody Franson

Carl Gunnarsson

Mark Fraser

John-Michael Liles

Korbinian Holzer

And don’t forget one of the best prospects in the world, defenseman Morgan Rielly. Brennan enters this situation as opposite a Golden Boy as one could possibly get (what’s the opposite of Golden Boy?). He wasn’t drafted by the team. He wasn’t traded for bunch of important assets. His contract is huge. The optics indicate that he’s set up to fail. That salary can be paid in the minors and the Leafs wouldn’t break a sweat. This is a security move, unfortunately. Unfortunate because Brennan has so much potential, but based on half a season of weak defense at the NHL, he’s already been written off.

That being said, his presence does force the likes of Rielly to work that much harder to get onto the squad. And maybe the Leafs will trade Liles.

Fantasy Players this helps, in order:

None

Fantasy Players this hurts, in order: 

1. Brennan

2. Rielly