Toronto Marlies: Who Could See NHL Action

The Toronto Maple Leafs have bolstered their depth with several additions this summer. However, injuries can strike at any time, and the Leafs may need to turn to the American Hockey League for reinforcements.

Toronto underwent significant roster changes this summer, completely overhauling its bottom-six forward group and revamping its goaltending tandem while also bringing in a pair of defensemen. New Maple Leafs GM John Chayka has put considerable effort into reshaping the lineup, but even the most carefully constructed plans can be thrown off course when injuries strike.

Thus, depth will be incredibly important for the Maple Leafs this season. They simply can’t afford to miss the Stanley Cup playoffs for a second consecutive year, nor can they allow injuries to become an excuse for sliding down the Atlantic Division standings.

Which players in Toronto could be called upon if some of the team’s NHLers begin the season on the injured list? Here are four players who could be leaned on to step into bigger roles.

Toronto Marlies Who Could See NHL Action This Season

Zack MacEwen

Chayka made plenty of noise with his moves, but one of his quieter additions could prove useful: Zack MacEwen. The 30-year-old right winger has suited up for just 24 NHL games over the past two seasons, but he brings something few players on the roster can match: size, snarl, and a willingness to make his presence felt when the game gets nasty.

MacEwen won’t have the enforcer job all to himself. Michael Pezzetta, who suited up for just nine games with the Buds last season, will be pushing for a roster spot and a chance to fill that role. Chayka has made it clear he wants depth throughout the lineup, and that includes having some muscle available. That could mean both MacEwen and Pezzetta see time in Toronto this season, depending on how the roster shakes out.

Artur Akhtyamov

The Leafs trimmed their goalie depth this summer, dealing Joseph Woll to Philadelphia and Dennis Hildeby to Tampa Bay as Chayka looked to better balance the roster. The moves were made easier by Artur Akhtyamov’s emergence. After appearing in three NHL games last season, it was his dominant play with the Marlies that gave Toronto the confidence to move on from Woll and Hildeby. 

Akhtyamov was nothing short of spectacular during last year’s AHL playoffs, posting a sparkling .923 save percentage and a 2.22 goals-against average over 22 games. The 24-year-old netminder is signed to a three-year deal worth $900,000 annually, and he could be just one phone call away from the NHL crease. If Sergei Bobrovsky or Anthony Stolarz run into injury trouble or their performance takes a dip, Akhtyamov figures to be the first goaltender called upon.

Still Looking to Prove Themselves

Jacob Quillan

At 24, Jacob Quillan put together an impressive campaign with the Marlies, recording 36 points in 40 regular-season games before adding nine points in 19 playoff contests during Toronto’s Calder Cup championship run. Quillan also saw NHL action with the Maple Leafs, appearing in 23 games and chipping in three points, including two assists.

Toronto’s off-season additions to the bottom six have pushed Quillan down the depth chart. Still, his versatility as a center or winger gives him a path back into the lineup. If Toronto is hit by a bunch of injuries, Quillan could get another opportunity to make his case for a roster spot.

Bo Groulx

For much of last season, Bo Groulx was an afterthought, seemingly destined to spend the entire year in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies. But a string of injuries opened the door for him to earn an opportunity with the Leafs.

The 26-year-old Groulx took full advantage of it by registering three goals and two assists for five points in 13 games. He is entering the final season of his contract and is going to start the season with the Marlies. However, if the Maple Leafs need to bring someone up, Groulx is likely to be one of the first players they call up.