Curtis Douglas is playing his way into a contract with the Maple Leafs

While everyone discusses who the Maple Leafs might trade for ahead of the deadline, one Marlies player on an AHL deal is making a case for himself to be signed by Kyle Dubas.

Curtis Douglas is having a season with the Toronto Marlies.

The six-foot-eight centreman has tallied 26 points over the span of 46 games this season, while spending a majority of his time in the bottom-half of the lineup.

Coming into this year, one of Douglas’ major goals was to build up his skating. With his size, if he was able to level up that skillset, he would become a much more dangerous player.

After most practices, the 22-year-old would be seen working with Maple Leafs’ Skating Consultant, Randi Milani, trying to better his skating. While putting that together with his size and utilizing all of his tools he has, Douglas has become as effective as ever.

“I think he’s a player, I’ve told him that personally,” said Marlies defenceman Alex Biega of Douglas. “I think he’s slowly gaining that confidence. He reminds me of a guy like Paul Gaustad, that just wins draws, he’s big and heavy, he’s not afraid to fight and be an intimidating factor on the ice.

“I think you’re seeing right now his game just evolve from just a guy who could maybe be a fourth line guy, but a key contributor all of the ice. I think for him, he’s got a bright future and he just has to continue to evolve and have a growth mindset.”

In his latest stretch of games, Douglas has leveled up his point contribution, scoring eight points in his last six games, while playing on the fourth line.