The Toronto Maple Leafs are making a captaincy change. The Hockey News breaks down why Auston Matthews will become the 26th captain in franchise history. Joseph Blandisi is returning to the Toronto Marlies. The Toronto Maple Leafs' AHL affiliate announced on Thursday that the forward signed a one-year deal with the club to return to the Marlies this season. The 30-year-old led the Marlies in scoring last season with a career-high 59 points. Prior to joining the Marlies in 2021-22, the Markham, Ontario, native played in 101 NHL games where he collected 10 goals and added 21 assists in stops with the New Jersey Devils, Anaheim Ducks and Pittsburgh Penguins. It's expected the Marlies will rely heavily on Blandisi's leadership again this season as a veteran player. Selected in the sixth round (162nd overall) by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2012 NHL Draft, Blandisi has become a staple in the AHL since 2019-20. He is known for his energetic and offensive creativity but also has a willingness to engage physically. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTk1MTUxMDE2NDM2ODQ0/cf1808c0-6a82-4298-9049-3eb2eae105b0.jpg] Related ‘I Think For Me, It’s Just A Learning Opportunity’: Maple Leafs Prospect Noah Chadwick on Attending Camp, Becoming the Captain of Lethbridge Hurricanes, and Playing Alongside Ben Danford [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/i-think-for-me-its-just-a-learning-opportunity-maple-leafs-prospect-noah-chadwick-on-attending-camp-becoming-the-captain-of-lethbridge-hurricanes-and-playing-alongside-ben-danford] 'I'll Trust What They Think They Should Do With Me': Maple Leafs' Easton Cowan Preparing For Challenge of Prospect Showdown and NHL Training Camp [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/ill-trust-what-they-think-they-should-do-with-me-maple-leafs-easton-cowan-preparing-for-challenge-of-prospect-showdown-and-nhl-training-camp] Maple Leafs Finally Sign Jani Hakanpaa to One-Year Deal Following Summer of Uncertainty [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-finally-sign-jani-hakanpaa-to-one-year-deal-following-summer-of-uncertainty] News from THN.com Eight More NHL Goalies with New Creative Masks Ahead of the 2024-25 Season [https://thehockeynews.com/news/eight-more-nhl-goalies-with-new-creative-masks-ahead-of-the-2024-25-season] 'Universally Adored': Blue Jackets Players, GM Express Grief At Loss of Johnny Gaudreau, Brother [https://thehockeynews.com/news/universally-adored-blue-jackets-players-gm-express-grief-at-loss-of-johnny-gaudreau-brother] Opinion: Bruins Fans Should Feel Fortunate GM Sweeney Is On Case In Swayman Contract Saga [https://thehockeynews.com/news/opinion-the-bruins-should-feel-fortunate-gm-sweeney-is-handling-swaymans-contract-saga]
