The Toronto Maple Leafs are in good hands.
That was the sentiment permeating the Ricoh Coliseum air as the Calder Cup champion Toronto Marlies soaked in their final appearance of the 2017-18 season.
In the days to follow, players will go separate ways.
Some may linger in Toronto, content to simply stay put in one place following a season of constant movement. Others will likely return home, reuniting with family and friends for possibly the first time in months.
Regardless of where these teammates inevitably land, one thing remains certain. They are bonded for life. You see, championships tend to have that effect.
A bond which, for some players, is set to carry itself into next season.
Colin Greening Re-Signs
As a veteran, Colin Greening generally leans away from the dramatic.
Today, however, he chose to break character. When prompted with a question regarding his future with the team, Greening dropped a bomb, announcing that he had, in fact, already re-signed with the Marlies.
“I’ll be back here on a one-year deal,” Greening told reporters.
“I’m excited to come back to Toronto”
The details of his new contract have yet to be revealed. Although, confirming one of the most vital cogs in the Marlies’ leadership contingent will return is a significant development.
Namely, if this summer unfolds accordingly, the Marlies will look markedly different come October.
The group of players who qualify as borderline locks to depart includes their starting goaltender (Garret Sparks), best forward (Andreas Johnsson), best defenceman (Travis Dermott) and captain (Ben Smith).
And that’s just what we know now.
Such changeover will be deeply felt, particularly by the litter of younger talent. As a prospect, being armed with the knowledge that your quasi-father figure will be there once again to rely upon is invaluable. These Marlies were a tightly knit group. A sentiment responsible, in no small part, to their veteran leaders.
Not to mention, Greening is still an effective player at this level.
With 35 points in 75 regular season games, the 32-year-old only proceeded to elevate his game as the playoffs wore on. Paired with Frederik Gauthier and Pierre Engvall, the trio formed a frighteningly successful shutdown unit, their efforts leading to the complete futility of opposing attacks.
Greening’s previous contract, another one-year deal signed this past July, carried an AAV of just $750,000. All of which was buried in the AHL.
Logic would follow that his new deal will bear a similar look.
Clune Re-Signs
If Greening’s announcement seemed dramatic, Rich Clune‘s was downright theatrical.
Standing before a sea of Marlies fans, Clune declared his return next year in a manner so entertaining, it would make the WWE blush. I truly cannot do it justice with the written word.
You’ll have to watch it for yourselves.
Clune is, without any doubt, the lynchpin of the Marlies’ dressing room. His story of overcoming addiction and journeying back from the brink stands amongst the most inspirational in all of sports.
While Clune isn’t a lineup regular – he was scratched for the entirety of the postseason – his influence on younger players is undeniably vast. Prospects, Jeremy Bracco especially, credit him for helping foster an increased focus on fitness and personal health.
Unrelentingly positive, Clune’s presence alone is worth the Leafs’ financial investment in him tenfold. Like Greening, the details of his contract are pending release.
Whatever they may be, bringing the man whose teammates call “Dickey” is cause for celebration.
Next: The Marlies are Calder Cup Champions
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