Marlies Coach John Gruden Looking for On-Ice Stability and Gradual Player Growth

The Toronto Marlies are off to a strong start to the young AHL season.

AAA system for the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs, the Marlies are off to a 5-2-2 record through nine games, outscoring their opponents 31-24. 

Winger Nicholas Robertson has compiled five goals and 11 points, with center Alex Steeves not far behind with six goals and 10 points. Through three games goaltending Dennis Hildeby has put together a strong start with a 1.68 GAA and .935 save percentage.

The club is under the reigns of newly appointed head coach John Gruden, a former pro defencemen turned bench boss who for the past five seasons served as assistant coach for the New York Islanders (2018-22) and Boston Bruins (2022-23), 

Gruden recently sat down with The Hockey News Leafs correspondent Nick Barden, sharing his coaching philosophy and desire to promote and develop young talent. 

"I want them to feel comfortable, I want them to be excited when they come here," Gruden shared his message to his squad.

"I want to be there to help and support them through the tough times and I also want to let them know when certain things need to pick up. Again, it's not anything bad, it's just trying to help them grow as players."

He next shared his thoughts on player development. 

"I think everything. I think, for me, it's allowing everyone to develop. If everyone gets better, the Leafs can't call everybody up. In a perfect world, that's what a coach would want, right? You always want the best for your players and get them an opportunity because that's what all their aspirations are. 

"But at the end of the day, we work just to make our guys better. And then again, we keep saying you can't control what you can't control, and they've all done a good job of that. But in a perfect world, I'd like to all see them get an opportunity which they are here. They're getting an opportunity with us and then at the end of the day, we want to be able to help them achieve their goals."

The Marlies split their series with the struggling Laval Rocket this past weekend, next meeting the Milwaukee Admirals on November 8th.