The Leafs signed Parsons to a two-year AHL contract in October 2024 as an undrafted Canadian junior free-agent out of the WHL. Parsons is a 6’3″ and weighing 214 pound, right-shot defenseman who played a very physical, hard-nosed style with the Medicine Hat Tigers. He is known for his willingness to defend teammates, often dropping the gloves to stand up for his team. This element of toughness earned him the nickname “The Sheriff” during his WHL career. Parsons’ is not known for his offensive contributions, with a single season high of never surpassing 19 points during four seasons in the WHL, but his 315 penalty minutes over the last 3 years of his junior career spanning 199 games, are indicative of what he brings to the ice.
Strengths:
- Physicality
Parsons thrives on using his size and strength to play a punishing style of defense. His aggressive approach in front of the net and along the boards makes him a tough opponent to battle against. His physicality is often seen in his frequent fights, showcasing his willingness to engage and protect his teammates.
- Shot-blocking and Defensive Grit
Parsons shows great dedication to the defensive side of the game. He consistently sacrifices his body to block shots and disrupt offensive plays. His solid positional play allows him to be a reliable stay-at-home defenseman, contributing significantly to preventing scoring chances.
- Leadership and Locker Room Presence
As a four-year veteran of the Medicine Hat Tigers, Parsons emerged as a leader both on and off the ice. His teammates viewed him as a protector and mentor, building strong bonds with younger players and creating a positive locker room atmosphere.
Weaknesses:
- Offensive Upside
While Parsons has the defensive aspects of his game well covered, his offensive production is limited. Over his WHL career, he posted modest point totals, suggesting that his role is more focused on the defensive zone rather than contributing to offensive playmaking.
- Puck Movement
Parsons’ game can sometimes lack the smooth puck-moving abilities of more dynamic defensemen. His first pass out of the defensive zone is reliable but not elite, and he could work on improving his transitions to better support his team’s offensive rushes.
Conclusion
Parsons projects as one of the Leafs’ most physical defenseman in their pipeline of prospects. He enters the 2024-25 as a rookie 21 year old pro with a 2 year AHL contract so the Leafs are willing to invest in his development. He is expected to be a stay-at-home defenseman at the pro level, offering physicality, leadership, and defensive reliability, but he may need to improve his puck-handling and offensive instincts to elevate his overall game to be seen as more than a minor league depth player.