Team: 2018-19 Toronto Maple Leafs

Initial Creation Date: Mar. 3, 2019

Published: Mar. 9, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

It's that time of year in the AHL, playoff rosters are being set! Starting now, any NHL players who have not played in the AHL within a certain parameter of games (not going to list it here, but basically had to have played within the last month or so).

This means that ECHL players are being called up, but don't stay on the roster as scratches. Works out well for the Marlies and Growlers, as both can use the players until playoffs begin. The Marlies obviously have the superiority factor, and will call up a lot of these guys from game to game.

So, who are these guys? Well here's some background:

Zach O'Brien: 26 Years Old, RW.
The Growlers' top scorer and best player, o'Brien seems like he should be a sure-fire AHLer at this point. However, his limited 3 appearances with the Marlies haven't impressed quite as much as Brady ferguson, the next player on our list.
25-33-58 points in 46 games in the ECHL this year.

Brady Ferguson: 24 years old, LW/C.
Here's one of the better Growler call-ups this season. Although his numbers are not mind blowing, and he hasn't been too effective in scoring at the AHL level, he has been a pretty solid player and a great surprise for the Marlies in on-and-off call ups this year. He visibly looks good. He was solid in his 5 games last season, with 4 points. This is his first full ECHL season, so it's some pretty great numbers below.
21-20-41 points in 37 games in the ECHL. 1 point in 8 games in AHL.

Hudson Elynuik: 21 years old, LW
Probably the only "prospect" on the list, he was drafted by Carolina in 2016, but did not sign an ELC. He has impressed in his first ECHL season, especially at his age.He could make the AHL roster next season, and I would love to see him become a longtime asset. He has yet to play in the AHL, and probably won't because the Growlers are making a playoff push.
9-19-28 Points in 33 games in ECHL.

Josh Kestner: 25 years old, RW.
My least favourite of the ECHL guys, but still a decent option if even more injuries hit. I doubt we will see him in any real role other than a game or two when 100% needed.
16-22-38 points in 50 games in ECHL.

Kristians Rubins: 21 years old, LD.
Big, heavy-style left handed defenceman with some offensive tools? Yes please! Sadly, that's an exaggeration, as he's not AHL ready and the need for him is only because of the injuries to Rosen/Borgman and a day-to-day injury to Steve Oleksy. Not great offensive stats, but only behind one or two guys in the ECHL, pretty good for a 21 yo. Not likely to stick around, and I don't think he is eligible to be on the official PO roster unless another injury occurs.
2-16-18 in 54 ECHL games.

So Marlies updates:
Summary: INJURIES SUCK!

Everyone is gone... like literally almost everyone. Only 9 players from the opening day roster are still here.
Obviously Marincin (Who would be the perfect replacement for Rosen/Borgman while they are hurt) and Moore (we know how important he was) are up with the Leafs. That's the two biggest losses because they are likely long-term, but there are also the injuries to:

Rosen: Supposedly back soon, although they have been saying that for 2 weeks, and it's hard to say. I believe he should be back within the next two weeks, and I would not be surprised if he goes up to the Leafs and Marincin comes down. Either way we need one of them, and I'd be happy with either. Rosen is ready for some NHL time.

Borgman: I honestly have no idea what his timetable for return is. They have been very quiet with it. I hope he will be back soon, as Sam Jardine has looked alright with Lilly, but is definitely hurting the 20 year old's production. I can't stress enough how important he is to the Leafs and Marlies for now and the future, especially now that he has locked up an extension.

Mueller: Uh Oh. This isn't good. Looks like he should be out for another few weeks with a hamstring pull. HE was soooooo good this year thus far, and hopefully will get healthy ASAP. We need him, there's no question about that when you look at the current lineup.

Corrado: I didn't realize he was hurt until a week ago, as Jardine and Subban have been getting full-time treatment. He is actually very important, and will definitely take the ice time from those two guys. I think he should be back from his KNEE injury by the Playoffs.

Well, that's this edition of the Marlies update! If you have questions about the team, players, and even other Leafs prospects not on the Marlies (I.E. Korshkov, Bobylev, Rasanen in the KHL) feel free to ask, and I'll look into it!
I will make one of these before playoffs, as well as one if the players start returning from injuries.

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