It looks like Toronto Maple Leafs fans will be getting something they’ve asked for.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are missing two key defensemen in Travis Dermott and Jake Gardiner. But, there’s one defenseman we’ve been missing that we’ve known about for a while.
Calle Rosen has been lights out for the Toronto Marlies this season. In 53 games, he has 7 goals and 38 assists, which works out to be 45 points in 53 games. And that’s as a defenseman.
Rosen has been injured as of late, but he returned to the Marlies on Sunday when they took on the Rochester Americans, where he had 1 assist and 5 shots on net.
Rosen Getting the Call
And after that performance, Kyle Dubas and Mike Babcock were ready to make their decision.
Mike Babcock also said the plan is to recall Calle Rosen later in the week after he plays one more game with #Marlies.
— Dave McCarthy (@DaveAMcCarthy) March 25, 2019
Marlies next game is on Friday.
45 points in 53 games is VERY good for an AHL defenseman, and by all accounts Rosen has taken a big step forward this season. Last year he played four games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, scoring one point and a 58% CF. (Stats naturalstattrick.com).
It’s not just the points that make him so good, it’s the way he plays too.
The way he racks up goals from the point is nuts. He’s one of those offensive defensemen who can get up in the play, but you can also use him and his heavy shot at the point.
He’s also good at getting out of stressful situations, with ease. The Toronto Maple Leafs need players that have patience with the puck, and not players who fire it up the ice when they don’t think there’s anyone to pass to.
Rosen has great puck and player awareness on the ice, which would make him a great piece on this Leafs team.
But, the best thing about him is, he has the ability to move the puck up the ice.
And hey, if Babcock wants, Rosen can even throw some stretch passes in there as well.
What’s the likely hood of Rosen staying up?
To me, it seems very likely. Right now, the Toronto Maple Leafs have 3 players battling for 1 spot, and 2 players out to injuries. Travis Dermott is set to return in a few days and Jake Gardiner is likely to return before the playoffs start.
And even the fact that Mike Babcock went to the Marlies game on Sunday, just to get a glimpse of Calle Rosen, makes it even more likely to me. He’s 6’1, he uses the body, and most importantly, he can score.
The Leafs will need everything they can get when they face-off against Boston in April. And with this addition to their defensive depth, I can see them utilizing Rosen in a way that will help the Leafs win the series, and “Slay the Dragon”.