Brooks hopes journey with the Maple Leafs continues this season
Former Pats star paid his dues in AHL before finally getting called up Dec. 28
Adam Brooks didn’t want the 2019-20 season to end, but this is not what he had in mind.
Brooks was enjoying an unforgettable season — highlighted by his first call-up with the Toronto Maple Leafs — when the hockey world was abruptly placed on hold due to COVID-19.
The 24-year-old centre had paid his dues with the AHL’S Toronto Marlies for 2 1/2 seasons before making his long-awaited NHL debut on Dec. 28.
“It was a huge year for me; you work your whole life (for it),” said the former Regina Pats star, who had three assists in seven NHL games this season. “I think I felt and looked pretty comfortable out there, which is nice going forward when you feel like you can play at that level.
“(Whenever) this year does end, it’s one I can look back on in my life and be really proud and feel like I accomplished a lot.”
Brooks was rewarded Thursday with a two-year, two-way contract extension. His original entry-level deal was set to expire this summer, which would have made him a restricted free agent.
“I kind of wanted to get (the contract) over with as soon as possible,” Brooks said from his home in Winnipeg. “All the cards are in the organization’s hands so you just wait patiently to hear, something. It didn’t really take too long for everything to come together. It’s nice to have that security of two extra years and — barring a trade — to know that I’m going to be in Toronto, which is a city that I love and an organization that I love.”
Brooks’ extension is worth US$1.45 million at the NHL level ($725,000 per season). There’s value in that deal for both sides.
“It’s pretty well known that Toronto has a lot of money locked up in some (key) guys,” Brooks said. “Fortunately for me, they’re going to need some guys that are right on that cusp of the league minimum.”
That fact could buy him more time under Leafs bench boss Sheldon Keefe, who previously coached Brooks in the AHL
“I’ve been a part of the organization for a while now,” he said. “I know what they expect of you as a person and a player. I obviously want to try to extend my NHL career and make it full time. There’s a lot of people that are trying to win those jobs, so it’s not going to be easy. But it’s definitely something that I’m excited to work for going into camp, whenever camp is.”
Brooks remains in limbo as the NHL deliberates on whether it’ll be feasible to restart.
Although the AHL has cancelled its season, Brooks is on standby as one of Toronto’s “Black Aces” — a taxi squad that would be part of an expanded NHL roster.
Brooks is doing his best to stay in shape.
“You have to be ready at any time,” he said. “They could call tomorrow if they come to an agreement and everyone involved decides it’s safe to try to bring back hockey.”
Brooks called it a “weird” feeling to be stuck in the longest intermission of his career. He doesn’t know if or when the most memorable — and unusual — season of his career might resume.
“By the end of the year, you’ll be able to look back and see how different this was than every other season,” said Brooks, who’s trying to keep the whole thing in perspective.
“There is so much going on that’s more important than sports right now. There’s so many people out there, the front-line workers, that are doing so many impressive things.”
Perhaps the NHL will eventually contribute in its own way by bringing back a sense of normalcy.
It could be a welcome distraction for all involved — with or without fans in the seats.
“I think all the players would be excited to get back but, again, you want to make sure everyone is safe,” added Brooks, who expressed confidence that the league would have a “good plan” in place.
“I’m sure they’ll make calculated decisions before they bring everyone back. Hopefully, by that time things are pretty safe and people are able to enjoy it.”