After three years in Toronto Maple Leafs‘ prospect system, first a 2-year entry level deal and then a one-year extension, undrafted defenseman Simon Gysbers(24) was unrestricted but quickly grabbed a deal overseas in the Finnish elite league SM-liiga with Ilves for the 2013/2014 season.
He had good but declining numbers with minor league affiliate Toronto Marlies through 196 AHL games (16 goals, 65 assists, +7 rating). It just seemed that the clock on the parent club’s waiting game for him to develop had run its course though.
At 6’4″ 200 lbs. he’s a big frame although doesn’t necessarily play an overtly physical style. He’s more of a shooter and a set-up guy as indicated by his consecutive 20+ assist seasons to start his pro career. He also threw at least a shot (and more) on net in each game played.
The 26-year old is likely another soon-to-be former North American player that should do well on the bigger sheets of ice and different talent pool and we expect him to move up to some higher leagues. He could even potentially come back. We shall see. 10 more pounds of muscle probably wouldn’t hurt either.