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Maple Leafs’ Colton Sissons looking to bring more grit to Toronto’s lineup next season
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Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Michael Coyle
Jul 2, 2026, 14:30 EDTUpdated: Jul 2, 2026, 14:25 EDT
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After being applauded for their work during the NHL Entry Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ management group are once again being praised for the work they put in during the opening day of free agency. 
John Chayka and Mats Sundin added six players to the Maple Leafs’ forward group, with the first signing of the day coming by way of a two-year, $8.5 million contract for Colton Sissons. 
Sissons joins the Maple Leafs’ roster after spending last season with the Vegas Golden Knights, where the 32-year-old appeared in 66 games and recorded six goals and five assists. During the Golden Knights’ run to the Stanley Cup final, Sissons chipped in eight points across his 22 games played. 
Following his signing on Wednesday, Sissons joined Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill to discuss his next contract in Toronto with the Maple Leafs.
“It wasn’t too crazy. Obviously, there was some interest around, but I knew the Leafs were very seriously considering me,” Sissons said. “Once you realize that and you have a chance to come to that market, things come together pretty quick.”
Sissons is likely to join the Maple Leafs’ bottom-six forward group to help round out a spot that was clearly a focus for Chayka and Sundin heading into next season. During his interview, Sissons spoke about what he feels his role will be with the club next year. 
“I think I have value all around the lineup, obviously, more so in the bottom six,” Sissons said. “I can play wing; I’m more of a natural centerman, so I can bounce around a little bit. I’m definitely being brought in to shore up the bottom six, add some grit, competitiveness, and penalty-killing prowess.” 
Sissons’ Stanley Cup final appearance brings some playoff success to a market that has been so desperate to see their team succeed come springtime. With all the recent playoff failures and the complete miss of them last year, the goal is that Sissons can be a bright spot when the stakes are the highest. 
“I really felt that I played my best hockey in the playoffs,” Sissons said. “I find that when the stakes are the highest, I feel most comfortable and feel like I can have an impact. Obviously, it was devastating to not get it done in the end, but I appreciated the ride, and hopefully I can bring some of that experience to the Leafs.”
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