Maple Leafs recall forward Luke Haymes from AHL’s Toronto Marlies on emergency basis

The Maple Leafs originally signed Haymes to a two-year entry level contract back in March 2025. He was one of the most sought-after college free agents following the 2024-25 season, recording 12 goals and 18 points in 22 games for Dartmouth College. Upon joining the Marlies, Haymes impressed in his first stint with six points in nine games at the end of last season.

Now 22 years old, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound centre has grown into his game as the season has gone along. While he took a little bit to find his game earlier on in the year, he now has 17 goals and 32 points in 63 games for the Marlies, good for fourth on the team in goals and sixth in points. The Ottawa native has yet to be recalled by the Maple Leafs this season, and due to the emergency basis of the call-up, it’s unknown if he will actually get into any games with the Maple Leafs or if it’s purely due to needing a body on the roster.

While the Maple Leafs’ season is effectively over, with five games remaining and having been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, the call-up could be a good chance for Haymes to audition for a spot on the roster next season. Of course, the catch here is that he’s auditioning for a team that’s currently without a front office and might not have the same coach by the time training camp rolls around in the spring. Still, co-interim GMs Brandon Pridham and Ryan Hardy undoubtedly played a part in Haymes’ signing, so it will be interesting to see what comes of these final five games and whether Haymes will actually get a decent look.

The Maple Leafs will host the Washington Capitals on Wednesday before facing the Florida Panthers at home on Saturday night as they limp through the final two weeks of the season.