- Duhaime signed a three-year deal with Toronto after leaving Washington
- He pointed to the franchise’s history and its offseason moves as the draw
- Read below for what he said and why Toronto runs in the family
Brandon Duhaime didn’t need much convincing to head to Toronto.
The winger left the Washington Capitals earlier this month and signed a three-year, $7.8 million contract with the Maple Leafs. Asked why Toronto felt like the right landing spot, Duhaime kept it simple.
“I think just, looking at the history of this team and how good they’ve been over the years, I just thought it’d be a great fit,” Duhaime said at his introductory media availability. “And obviously, they added some really good pieces over free agency and from the end of the year. I’m just really excited to join the team.”
Toronto made the signing official on July 2:
He wasn’t the only addition. The Leafs also brought in Darren Raddysh, Emil Andrae, Sergei Bobrovsky, Troy Stecher, Jack Roslovic, Colton Sissons, Teddy Blueger and Nick Paul this summer. Toronto was on the clock first at the 2026 draft too, grabbing Gavin McKenna. Duhaime landed in the middle of that free-agency haul.
The move also hits close to home. Duhaime was asked what the destination meant to him personally.
“My father’s from there,” Duhaime said. “I think he moved away pretty early in his life, but yeah, he’s from there, so it’s pretty special.”
Watch Duhaime’s full media availability:
The Leafs know what they’re getting. Duhaime spent two seasons in Washington as a penalty killer and one of the team’s top agitators, mostly riding shotgun with Nic Dowd at five-on-five. He finished second on the Capitals in hits in each of the last two years.
His teammates loved him for it. He earned a standing ovation after dropping the gloves with Jacob Trouba in January, answering a hit that had put Ryan Leonard on the shelf. He plans to bring that same edge north.
“I think it’s a part of my game,” Duhaime said. “I wouldn’t say I go looking for it. It’s super important to continue to play on the edge while being able to help a team win, and just being right on that line.”
Toronto missed the playoffs last year for the first time in a decade. Duhaime is betting the roster overhaul flips that, and he wants to be part of the group that does it.
