Well, it's that time of year again Leafs fans... the Leafs are out and the Marlies are looking for a championship. As a result, we get to see Rosen, and maybe a few others play, so I guess I get to write one of these. After all, they did SWEEP the Rochester Americans, one of the better AHL teams this year!
First off, the roster looks a little different than the last report I made. Notable changes:
- Added: Mac Hollowell
One of the top D prospects the Leafs have right now, Hollowell was a guarantee to play with the Marlies when his spectacular season in the OHL ended. He finished top in defence scoring, and was the highest Leafs prospect in scoring (he actually tied Ryan Macgregor, a C).
- Added (But injured): Justin Brazeau
One of the top undrafted Free Agents in the OHL this season, Brazeau was expected to ink an NHL deal like fellow overager Tye Felhaber. However, the 6''6 power forward proved us wrong and decided to sign a two year contract with the Marlies (starting next year). He was third in OHL scoring and top in goals, but is not regarded as much of a prospect because he is 21 and has limited skating skill. Many believe he chose to sign with the Marlies to work with Barb Underhill (skating coach) so he can get his skating to a level that will better compliment his elite goal scoring and mind for the game. He is injured and will not be playing, but it is a very promising acquisition for the Marlies. He is older than most OHL players and has little potential according to many scouts, but he has undeniable stats and will likely be a force for the Marlies next year. NHL potential is limited.
- Added: Calle Rosen
Back from his late-season tryout with the Leafs, Rosen looks to impress in order to solidify his spot on the Leafs roster for next season. Obviously he has had a wonderful season with the AHL squad, and he is easily ready for a role with the Leafs, likely in the top 6. He will be a force to reckon with in these playoffs.
- Deleted: Michael Hutchinson (for now)
Hutch was called up to back up the Leafs during the playoffs and was not yet returned to the Marlies. I am not sure if this is a waivers issue or not, but I find it hard to believe that the Leafs do not want to send him down in order to maximise their use of him. His contract expires this year, but hopefully he will sign a two-way deal and return this summer. Eamon McAdam has been recalled to the Marlies.
-Deleted: Eemeli Rasanen
Sent to the World championships, he is not needed by the Marlies, as they already have Oleksy and Duszak scratched.
- Deleted: Zach o'Brien, Hudson Elynuik, Scott Pooley, Brady Ferguson, Sam Jardine
All were sent back to the ECHL Growlers in order to allow them to have a legitimate shot at a championship. With so many late season signings and additions, it is unlikely any will be called up even though a few are eligible. Elynuik and O'Brien have excelled with the Growlers thus far, leading them to a 4-2 series win over the Brampton Beast this week. Look for the Growlers to go pretty far.
- Deleted: Semyon Der-Arguchintsev
Sent down to the ECHL in order to maximise his playing time and give him some much needed playoff experience. SDA had a decent year with the Petes in the OHL and will be looking to continue off that success next season.
- Deleted: Alex Basso, Erik Brown, Trey Bradley
Overaged college players that have been released from their ATO, this is not a surprise to anyone. They may resign in the ECHL for next season.
- Deleted from ATOs: Ryan Macgregor and Zach Bouthillier
Both are Leafs prospects from the CHL who signed ATOs simply to expand their playing time. Neither played meaningful AHL time and Bouthillier was immediately sent to the ECHL. Their futures are as AHLers or low end NHLers, and will have a lot of time to develop.
News and thoughts:
-Jesper Lindgren is still going strong with HPK in the lIiga, and will not be joining the Marlies by the looks of things, simply because his season won't end in time. Bit of a bummer because we wanna see him, and he needs time on North American ice, but he may come over next year.
-Ian Scott is still playing with the Raiders in the WHL, and may not be joining the team this year. He is playing very well and the team is rolling along in the playoffs. I expect them to go very far, and may even win. If they do, Scott will not play this year. I was hoping he could, but he gets more starts in the WHL anyway.
- Colt Conrad looked great in his end-of-season tryout with the Marlies and became a mainstay on their roster until a few days ago, when he was suddenly left off. I believe he is hurt, as he has not been released and had earned a spot on the team. Sheldon Keefe likes him, and his two year contract with the Marlies is going to start next season. He has limited NHL potential, but looks much better in the AHL immediately than I thought he would.
-Kasimir Kaskisuo looks awesome right now. He is a big reason for their sweep of the Rochester Americans, and looks to continue his great play into the second round. If he does, the Marlies will likely go very far, as their defence in front of him looks like one of the best in the league right now.
- ADAM BROOKS IS A HERO! He scored all 3 goals in the last game against the Amerks, and looks like the 2nd line center many fans want him to be. His NHL potential isn't high, but he has impressed and will hopefully take an even bigger role next season. He has improved a lot over this year.
-Engvall is on the third line, and I don't even care. He is playing pretty well, and the depth of this team is shining at the moment. If Trevor Moore returns from the Leafs (which he may), I expect Engvall to have better linemates as the lines get balanced.
The Marlies have a few days off before they begin round two. Let's go Marlies!
Is this The Athletic? Jk, this is awesome work though. I'll have to look out for your posts again in the future
thanks ! basically took the ideas found in BleacherReport, Pension Plan Puppets, and The Athletic. I've made about 5 of them this year just for fun.
I might make one after the year, depends how things go lol.
I started making these because I love watching the Marlies and got kinda tired of how many Leafs things are here. Thought this would be different, and I figured it was a good idea for real leafs fans, who actually wanna know about the FRANCHISE and not just the Team.
I am also big into Sports Management and Business, analysing players and teams has become a hobby of mine. Looking to go into University for this, we'll see
If you have any questions about any of the marlies or stuff, feel free to ask!
I haven’t had a chance to watch Duszak in action. Of the three Rhd (Duszak, Hollowell and Lilly) which do you think would be most likely to be pushed up next season. I was thinking Duszak due to age and importance to the organization. (I don’t think his development is as important as hollowell and Lilly).
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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