The genius behind the Maple Leafs’ most underrated bottom-six addition

Jeremy Franks of Editor In Leaf argues that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Colton Sissons has proven to be an underrated bargain after facing heavy criticism over his two-year, $8.5 million contract signed in July. Through his first 11 games with Toronto, the veteran center has contributed five points while emerging as an indispensable anchor for the team's bottom-six forward group.

Sissons leads the Maple Leafs with a 63.2% faceoff winning percentage and 26 hits, playing a vital role on Toronto's league-leading penalty kill that extinguished 37 of 38 penalties. Franks credits Sissons' strong defensive presence with reducing the defensive workload of star captain Auston Matthews, who recorded 18 points in 11 games.