Maple Leafs assign Cowan, Akhtyamov, Villeneuve, Haymes, Tverberg, Quillan to AHL’s Marlies

As the 2025-26 NHL season is now over, the Toronto Maple Leafs assigned Easton Cowan, Artur Akhtyamov, William Villeneuve, Luke Haymes, Ryan Tverberg and Jacob Quillan to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

Cowan was arguably the Maple Leafs’ most positive on-ice story this year, relative to pre-season expectations. The 20-year-old recorded 11 goals and 29 points in 66 games, while finishing the year on the top line alongside John Tavares and William Nylander. Cowan will be a fixture of the Maple Leafs’ core going forward, but he’ll be afforded ample playing time during the AHL playoffs.

Akhtyamov started two games for the Maple Leafs, making three appearances. The 24-year-old posted a 20-12-4 record in 36 games with the Marlies, along with a .903 save percentage. Akhtyamov will compete for a larger role with the Maple Leafs next fall, although it’s more likely he’ll operate as the Marlies’ incumbent starting goaltender.

Villeneuve made his NHL debut against the Florida Panthers on April 11. He was praised by Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube for his puck-moving ability, following his debut. Villeneuve recorded three goals and 29 points in 59 games with the Marlies.

Haymes recorded his first NHL point during his debut on April 9 against the New York Islanders. The 22-year-old recorded 17 goals and 32 points in 64 games with the Marlies.

Tverberg debuted for the Maple Leafs on April 13 against the Dallas Stars, where he posted a team-high share of the expected goals at 5-on-5, during a 6-5 loss.

Quillan played 23 games for the Maple Leafs, and recorded his first goal of the year against the Stars, finishing with three points in the NHL. He recorded 12 goals and 33 points in 38 games with the Marlies this season.

It was a brutal year for the Maple Leafs, missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade. It could be a more promising summer ahead for the Marlies, supported by six players with varying degrees of NHL experience.