NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA 2014: Flyers vs Bruins APR 05 April 5, 2014 - Boston, Massachusetts, United States - April 5, 2014: Philadelphia Flyers left wing Jay Rosehill 37 scores a second period goal against Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask 40 the NHL game between the Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Anthony Nesmith/CSM Boston Massachusetts United States EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20140405_zaf_c04_014.jpg AnthonyxNesmithx csmphoto902922
NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA 2014: Flyers vs Bruins APR 05 April 5, 2014 - Boston, Massachusetts, United States - April 5, 2014: Philadelphia Flyers left wing Jay Rosehill 37 scores a second period goal against Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask 40 the NHL game between the Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Anthony Nesmith/CSM Boston Massachusetts United States EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20140405_zaf_c04_014.jpg AnthonyxNesmithx csmphoto902922
The Toronto Maple Leafs made several big changes this offseason. New general manager John Chayka reshaped the team after replacing Brad Treliving. One of his moves was also signing Brandon Duhaime to a three-year, $7.8 million contract after the winger spent two seasons with the Washington Capitals.
Now, former Maple Leafs player Jay Rosehill believes Duhaime's physical style and hard work could quickly help him become a fan favorite in Toronto.
Before explaining why Duhaime could help the Maple Leafs, Rosehill praised his attitude.
He said, "Duhaime for me, I think that he can play gritty. I think he can play with a chip on his shoulder."
Jay Rosehill believes Toronto needs players who bring energy and play hard every game.
As noted by Michael Whitaker's report on Heavy, Rosehill also said, "You talk about a guy dumping it and going and doing something. I think that he can bring that energy."
He believes Duhaime's aggressive style and hard work are what the Maple Leafs' bottom six has been missing.
Rosehill later added, "I think he has a chance to get in there, be physical, and win some hearts of some fans over this season."
If Duhaime plays that way all season, he could quickly become a fan favorite in Toronto.
Brandon Duhaime brings experience along with physicality
The same Heavy report also explained Duhaime's NHL journey. It showed that Toronto signed him for more than just his physical style.
The Minnesota Wild picked him 106th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft after he played at Providence College. He later played for the Iowa Wild before making his NHL debut in the 2021-22 season.
The Wild traded Duhaime to the Colorado Avalanche in 2024. Later that offseason, he signed a two-year contract with the Washington Capitals.
In 375 NHL games, he has scored 33 goals and recorded 37 assists. He is known for his strong forechecking and reliable play. He has also played 33 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Duhaime's offensive numbers are not very high, but Toronto values his physical style and hard work. Jay Rosehill believes those are Duhaime's biggest strengths.
The Maple Leafs want to build a new identity this season. Duhaime now has a chance to prove himself and become one of the team's best offseason signings.
What do you think? Will his rugged playing style be enough to make him one of the Maple Leafs' biggest fan favorites this season? Let us know in the comments.
Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Kapil Manghnani brings over 4.5 years of experience in sports journalism, covering a wide range of sports, including Soccer, NHL, Tennis, Gymnastics, NASCAR, Swimming, and more. He has written for leading sports platforms, producing everything from breaking news and features to in-depth analysis, opinion pieces, long-form stories, and short-form content. Beyond articles, he has also scripted long-form storytelling videos for YouTube channels. His work focuses on delivering well-researched, engaging, and reader-first sports content across multiple formats.
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Suyashdeep Sason