Brennan Menell

June 2022 – Acquired from the Maple Leafs in late March, Menell played 18 games in the AHL with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, recording six assists. Before the trade, Menell played 20 games with the Marlies, posting one goal and four assists. This offseason, Menell becomes a Group 6 unrestricted free agent. John Gove 

March 2022 – With a glut of depth defencemen in the organization, the Leafs traded Menell to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for future considerations. Nick Richard

October 2021 – Menell had a strong showing in the preseason for the Leafs but was ultimately unable to wrestle away an NHL job. He has cleared waivers and been assigned to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. He is likely to be the Marlies’ primary offensive option on the blue line this season and could find himself in the Leafs’ lineup if injuries occur at the NHL level. Nick Richard

August 2021 – The Maple Leafs signed Menell to a one-year, two-way contract that carries an NHL salary of $750k. He is expected to compete for a depth role in training camp this fall. Nick Richard

July 2021 – The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired Menell’s NHL rights in exchange for a conditional seventh-round draft pick. Menell finished second in scoring among KHL defencemen in 2020-21, racking up five goals and 33 assists in 47 games with Dinamo Minsk. He remains unsigned to an NHL contract. Nick Richard

February 2021 – Menell’s terrific AHL production from last year has translated seamlessly to the KHL, where he has 34 points in 42 games. He looks primed to earn a spot on Minnesota’s blueline when he returns to North America next season. Sam Happi

September 2019 – Brennan Menell has been assigned to the Iowa Wild of the AHL. After an AHL breakout season in 2018-19, Menell will be looking to continue to develop his defensive game. Menell could be a call-up candidate throughout the year if injury strikes Minnesota’s blueline. Sam Happi

March 2019 – The Minnesota hometown kid has played extremely well for the Iowa Wild of the AHL. Getting significant playing time, he’s shown his ability to be an effective puck mover. He’s been excellent in transition this season both exiting the defensive zone as well as entering the offensive zone with control of the puck efficiently. He possesses a smart release. While it’s not an overly powerful shot, he locates it very well, often getting it through a crowd and creating rebounds in front of the net. It’s quite effective at the top of a power play. His defensive development since the start of the season has been impressive, to say the least, as he uses his skating to get into good positions or recover when things don’t go so well. With his upside likely being a second pairing NHLer with the potential to run a second PP unit, he is getting closer to playing for his hometown team. Tony Ferrari

April 2018 – It’s difficult to transition into the AHL, especially for defensemen, and even more so for undrafted defensemen. Brennan Menell took that trend and tossed it aside, with an excellent rookie AHL season. Iowa wasn’t the best team in the AHL by any stretch, but with primary points on 24% of Iowa’s even-strength goals while Menell was on the ice, his offensive production in a middle-pair role is promising. While major NHL upside may not be there, it’s very possible that Menell becomes a flexible AHL/NHL defender who can chip in in the NHL should problems arise, with further upside on the side if he continues to develop. Will Scouch

January 2018 – Menell’s rookie season in the AHL has surpassed expectations. Work remains to be done on the defensive side of play, but his offense has been excellent. Among AHL defenders who have played ten or more games and are under 21 years old, Menell is 10th of 38 in primary point production and sixth in point production. When he’s on the ice, Iowa has scored 30 goals which is fifth in the group. For a free agent signing out of junior, he’s been a nice add for Minnesota. Will Scouch

October 2017 – It must be a special feeling to go undrafted in the NHL Draft twice, only to walk into your hometown team’s camp and walk out with an entry-level contract. Brennan Menell managed to follow up a great year with Lethbridge with a great start to his AHL career, at least offensively. The mid-sized defender has managed five points in his first nine games and is fourth in team scoring. While he is a more offensive defenseman, his goal differential is about on par with that of the rest of his Iowa squad while playing top pairing minutes at even strength. Menell looks to be a great signing to keep an eye on as his metrics put him in the same class of young AHL defenseman such as Ethan Bear and Mitch Vande Sompel, both of whom were drafted by their respective clubs. Anytime you can add a 20 year old AHL top pairing defender without having to draft them is a win. Menell will need time to develop, but he has already shot up my prospect rankings in Minnesota’s system and is one to watch. Will Scouch