The Marlies are focused on turning the tide after a disappointing playoff exit in April.
The Marlies are focused on turning the tide after a disappointing playoff exit in April.
AHL Toronto has a different-looking team this year — with a number of newcomers — making this a team to watch.
Joseph Blandisi, Kyle Clifford, and captain Logan Shaw return for another season with the club after finishing atop the North Division last year. A few new faces in William Lagesson, Max Lajoie, Dylan Gambrell, and Simon Benoit enter this mix, too, as they squeaked through waivers earlier this week.
There are also a number of young players in the squad as Topi Niemela, Roni Hirvonen, Ryan Tverberg, Dmitry Ovchinnikov, and Ty Voit (who's injured) look to make their mark in the AHL.
Then come Toronto's bubble players, who can possibly earn a call-up if both their play is good and there are injuries with the Maple Leafs. Those players include Nick Robertson, Bobby McMann, Pontus Holmberg, Alex Steeves, and Nick Abruzzese.
It's a team that can be very good this season. And the hard work begins now.
"To be honest, I just view that (hard work) as an opportunity," Steeves said, "And I think a lot of guys do too.
"Obviously there's guys who are here and probably, they don't want to be here in the sense that they believe they have a higher ceiling in terms of being in the NHL. But, it's also better to be on a good team than a bad team.
"We have a great opportunity to work hard together with all the talent we have and win a lot because that's more fun than losing."
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN0MRz-I9Os[/embed]
As big of a year as it is for the players, it's also a massive year for the brand-new coaching staff. It will be up to John Gruden to help develop these players while also trying to be a competitive team in the AHL.
"It's exciting," Gruden said. "It's a pretty good energetic group that I know is ready for Saturday."
There are so many players to watch on this team, whether it be prospects or veterans. If you like to see young players grow, you have that. If you want to see older players dominate, you should get that too.
A few question marks do come about, though. One is: Will Shaw be able to produce at a point-per-game pace similar to last season?
"I'm going to do my best to try and do the same thing," Shaw said. I'm very fortunate to be able to play with great players here. And for me, that was obviously very nice, to be able to contribute offensively like that. A lot of it happens by just trying to work hard every day and try to play the right way.
"I'm not going to change that just because I had a good year last year. It's just about playing simple, playing smart, playing within my means and not trying to do too much. But, good things happen when you play the right way."
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-2ij74Mtio[/embed]
Another question is how will McMann look coming off an injury that's lingered since last season?
"I just want to see a continuation from last year, the 27-year-old said.
"I think being able to bring that same level of compete every game, more consistency, try to bring it every game, and just continue to be a guy that can be relied on in all situations."
Toronto will start the season off with four goaltenders: Martin Jones, Dennis Hildeby, Keith Petruzzelli, and Luke Cavallin. Jones, Hildeby, and Petruzzelli will be the three netminders who see the most time as they're all on NHL deals.
READ MORE: How the Toronto Marlies Are Approaching Goalie Development This Season
The projected lineup for Saturday's home opener
I'm not too sure how the goalie situation will play out this weekend, but I do expect Jones to play one of the games as the goal is to keep every netminder fresh.
Abruzzese-Shaw-McMann
Robertson-Holmberg-Steeves
Hirvonen-Gambrell-Tverberg
Clifford-Slavin-Ellis
Extras: Ovchinnikov-Blandisi-Solow
Lajoie-Niemela
Benoit-Miller
Lagesson-Kokkonen
Extras: Rifai-Villeneuve & Farrance-Pietroniro
Jones, Hildeby & Petruzzelli
As I said previously, this is a very strong lineup. It's likely one that can do damage all season long if a majority of the group remains together. Even if they don't, there's always the possibility that a younger player comes in and stands out.
One line I'm intrigued by is Robertson with Holmberg and Steeves. All three players could've made the NHL roster out of training camp if there were more spots to be had.
"I like (the line) because it has different dynamics," Gruden said. "You got some speed, you got some guys who can make plays, and guys that are willing to get into the dirty areas. We're going to see how their chemistry is and how they grow as a line, but there's a lot of things to be excited about as our staff is about those five lines."
It's a new season, and with that comes new opportunities and new beginnings. How the Marlies will play is yet to be seen, though it's safe to say it's an entirely different team from last season.
"We got a lot of good players, a good mix of veteran-experienced guys and young guys," the Marlies GM said. "We've got a new staff in here, a lot of change... (I'm) looking forward to getting going on Saturday."
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