Toronto let Hlacar’s rights expire before the 2026 draft, and he went unselected as a re-entry player. Hlacar has since signed with Brantford (following a stint at QMJHL Saint John’s training camp) where the 2026 Memorial Cup champions give him a new OHL opportunity. The tools are narrow: a physical forecheck, willingness to fight, and effort that never wavers. Whether he can expand beyond that identity – adding skating efficiency, discipline, secondary scoring, and consistency – will determine whether Toronto’s decision looks shrewd or premature.

Hlacar is your prototypical grinder. He has a relentless forecheck and brings it 100 percent every night. He always shows a willingness to engage in battles and uses his size to force the puck loose. He will drop the gloves if the opportunity arises and does not back down from a challenge. A pure work ethic type of player the organization hopes can be part of the culture and DNA shift in Toronto.

Selected 217th overall, Matthew Hlacar is now a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.