5 Marlies Players to Watch in 2026-27 Season

With both Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby being moved to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Akhtyamov is now the goalie of the future. He’s the starter for the Marlies and is going to get more starts as he takes a big step forward. Akhtyamov essentially forced general manager John Chayka’s hand and now the team is betting on him as he continues to progress. With Sergei Bobrvosky on the team to serve as a mentor, that could help tremendously during training camp or in the event of a call- up. 

Ben Danford

It was a busy season for Ben Danford. He impressed during the Maple Leafs’ preseason and was a leader on a stacked Brantford Bulldogs team in the Ontario Hockey League. Even though he missed out on a Championship, he played extremely well as the two-way, defensive game was evident. That didn’t deter him as he was immediately inserted into the Marlies lineup when his season was done and transitioned well to the pro level.  

Miroslav Holinka

Miroslav Holinka had an impressive breakout season with 80 points in 59 games. His performance during the Western Hockey League playoffs showed that he can have a clutch factor and score big goals when he needed to. That really moved him up the ranks as a top prospect within the Maple Leafs system. 

Holinka plays a smart and reliable two-way game. Whether that offensive production continues as he progresses remains to be seen, he has the capabilities to do so. He has a great shot and can be very lethal in the open ice. He’s deceptive, can find passing lanes well and is always creating something by keeping plays alive. He’ll definitely look to provide an offensive boost to a Marlies team that already had some offensive weapons.

Luke Haymes

Luke Haymes had a much better second half than he did compared to his first half in his first full pro season. He was earning praise from head coach John Gruden and even earned a call-up to the Maple Leafs when the injuries piled on and they needed bodies. For the most part, he fared really well. 

When Haymes is on his game, he’s extremely effective and can be a force when he’s in the offensive zone. He can power through defenders and find the open ice to weave his way through into the scoring areas. He battles hard along the boards and uses his 6-foot-1, 203-pound frame to his advantage. His smarts and hockey IQ instantly takes over as he puts himself in the right spots to capitalize on opportunities. 

Noah Chadwick

I thought Noah Chadwick had a decent first season in the AHL as he had 23 points in the regular season and another five points in 16 playoff games. It was a great first step and like Danford, he’s going to get an elevated role this season and be more relied on.

Chadwick isn’t going to wow you on the backend, but he’s effective and is always making the safe and smart play. He’s composed and doesn’t force plays on the breakout and has the capabilities to lead a rush in transition as well. He moves well in the offensive zone to create plays and to move into the shooting lanes.