Confirmed with Link: Leafs acquire Brennan Menell for a cond. 7th rd pick in 2022 [Upd 8/1: signed 1 yr/2 way contract]

[Nino Noderreiter]

DOBBER: We should also talk about another defenceman in Brennan Menell. He was traded from Minnesota to Toronto for a conditional 7th, or else nothing. This one could hurt the Wild.
As a 21-year-old in the AHL in 2018-19, the 5'10 Menell led the Iowa Wild defecemen in production (44 points) by a mile (next-closest at 24). As a 21-year-old, he tied Jake Bean in points/game in the AHL. He followed that up by finishing the 2019-20 season with 47 points in 57 games, virtually an identical point pace to Bean, and they also had near-identical shot rates per game – 2.33 for Mennen and 2.41 for Bean. He then went to the KHL and blew the doors off as a 23-year-old, finishing second in scoring in the league among rearguards.

So, we have a guy who performed similarly to Jake Bean in the AHL, ran circles in the KHL, and is only one year older than Bean at age 24. Why, exactly, is Minnesota getting rid of him for nothing?
This has big potential for the Leafs. Maybe Menell flames out into nothing; we have seen lots of players light up the AHL and KHL but not be able to translate it to the NHL. All the same, this seems like a great bet by Toronto, as guys who produce well across a variety of leagues at a young age tend to keep up that trend in the NHL. Not all the time, but for a 7th-round pick, it's very much worth finding out. The Leafs also have a spot on the right side of their blue line that is open should Menell play his way there out of camp. He is worth a flier in deeper leagues and I would be adding him in dynasty leagues right now. He could be a year away from being the PP1 QB for Toronto.

Most Wild fans have no clue. Guerin ego tripped a valuable prospect out of town for no assets so he could sign other random career AHL defensemen to similar contracts.

 

[justashadowof]

This has nothing to do with the Liljegren. This kid doesn't seem to be anything similar to Liljegren

They've got plenty in common: they'll be competing for the same spot on the roster in the Fall.

 

[justashadowof]

I see they've added the conditions of this trade. A 7th if Menell plays 30 games for the Leafs in 2021-22.

 

[GrizzGreen]

What's the story behind him not just re-signing with the Wild? The Wild who have 4 NHL defensemen under contract.

Botched his contract. He shouldn't have been in the K last year...

 

[cupcrazyman]

Not a 7th !

 

[Menzinger]

 

[Menzinger]

That doesn't explain why he hasn't signed to play for the Wild this season. I seriously doubt he gets a 1-way deal from the Leafs.

Basically the relationship between player and management was sour and probably beyond repair

Id think he signs a 1 way deal here.

 

[Jacquestrapless]

Botched his contract. He shouldn't have been in the K last year...

Interested to hear your thoughts on the player himself. What can we expect out of him?

 

[GrizzGreen]

Interested to hear your thoughts on the player himself. What can we expect out of him?

Hard worker with a lot of offensive talent and some edge. Hasn't really had enough sample size to know how that'll translate at the NHL level but he's stepped into his role with ease and improved year over year.

Think Krug style player with more of a potential to really be a powerplay QB

 

[justloveleafs]

Guerin made a smart move, soon as agents perceive an GM being a turd, ain't good for the franchise at all.

Kudos to Dubas for all his moves. Maybe I am a homer and a sucker for the blue and white, but I feel better about the team right now.

He also made some good Marlie moves, I dunno about you guys, but I like having a very competitive team in the AHL.

 

[crump]

So let’s say Dubas gets this guy to sign for a couple of years. We won’t lose him to Group 6 UFA next year. Also if he shows up in camp and plays well why not throw him up with Muzzin, drop Holl down to the 3rd pairing with Dermott or Sandin. Give the guy some PP minutes to show he is ready for the show. At least try it in preseason.

 

[cupcrazyman]

What's the story behind him not just re-signing with the Wild? The Wild who have 4 NHL defensemen under contract.

How is Bill Guerin as a GM ?

 

[kb]

How is Bill Guerin as a GM ?

According to a few Wild fans.....very vindictive.

 

[Leaf Fans]

Perfect example of how any assets you could have gotten from the Hyman sign-and-trade could amount to something on your roster.

An example of what we could but likely wouldn't have got. Besides, you can obviously find undrafted players like him.

 

[harvestglen]

An example of what we could but likely wouldn't have got. Besides, you can obviously find undrafted players like him.

I wasn't even talking about the odds of a draft pick so much as the additional trade capital, however modest. Though while even while we're at it, even just the chance at a pick is a benefit to the alternative. I actually like what the team has been doing at the draft post-Hunter for the most part too.

 

[stickty111]

Signed

 

[Menzinger]

Signed

Fantastic.

 

[Leaf Fans]

A two way deal as well showing that he I at least willing to play/start with the Marlies.

 

[Muston Atthews]

A two way deal as well showing that he I at least willing to play/start with the Marlies.

two way deal means nothing other than he gets paid less when he plays in the AHL.

he could’ve signed a one way deal and still played in the AHL

 

[Leaf Fans]

two way deal means nothing other than he gets paid less when he plays in the AHL.

he could’ve signed a one way deal and still played in the AHL

Yes, that is true. However, him signing the two shows his willingness to play in the AHL.

 

[JEI]

His numbers since entering the AHL have been very strong (his WHL numbers were strong too). I think he's a guy who could find a spot on this team and perhaps make others expendable.

 

[diehardleafsfan9878]

It's very interesting that it is a 2-way deal. Basically says fu to Guerin and Wild ownership.

 

[Anthrax442]

It's very interesting that it is a 2-way deal. Basically says fu to Guerin and Wild ownership.

but 400K in A, not nothing

 

[Dr Quincy]

Yes, that is true. However, him signing the two shows his willingness to play in the AHL.

He'd have to be waived. Whether or not he'd be claimed is open to debate.

 

[Leaf Fans]

He'd have to be waived. Whether or not he'd be claimed is open to debate.

Yes, he is not waiver exempt.