The Toronto Maple Leafs now have the 4th leading scorer in the AHL

With all the hoopla and excitement bought on by the NHL trade deadline, over the last number of days, it’s easy to have missed minor stories from around the rinks. One of them happened to be about the success of a member of the Toronto Marlies.

Accolades should be shared for the outstanding play of Logan Shaw. He’s the Marlies’ top-line center who has elevated his game of late and forced his way up the AHL leaderboard. He’s now tied for fourth overall this season in AHL points.

Originally drafted by the Florida Panthers in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft as a third-round, 76th overall selection, Shaw is in his first year with the Marlies. Those who watch the Leafs affiliate closely will recognize the 30-year-old from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia as the captain of the Marlies.

Logan Shaw could be a household name for the Toronto Maple Leafs

When Toronto signed Shaw to a three-year pact over the summer, they did so knowing that he had a pedigree in leadership. In fact, the 6’3″, 208 lbs forward also served as captain of the Belleville Senators. He spent the last pair of seasons in Belleville and was also called up to play 17 NHL games for the Ottawa Senators.

Now with the Marlies, Shaw has been an explosion of offense. He’s played 53 games and recorded 57 points. They have come on 17 goals and 40 assists. After ripping 164 shots, the most in his career, he’s scored on 10.4-per cent of his shots. Shaw has also been handed 30 minutes in penalties this season. In December of 2022, the Marlies made Shaw their captain.

For what has been a journeyman’s hockey career, this has been Shaw’s best season. Not only has Shaw played for the Marlies and Senators in the AHL, but he has also been a part of five other clubs. They are the Manitoba Moose, San Diego Gulls, Springfield Thunderbirds, Portland Pirates, and San Antonio Rampage.

With Shaw’s ascension to be near the top of the league in scoring, Maple Leafs’ fans will be wondering whether they may see the QMJHL graduate playing full-time and contributing in the NHL. Unfortunately, chances are slim that Shaw finds his way to the Leafs, especially on a full-time basis. That’s mostly due to his age.

The Marlies surely love having Shaw’s veteran presence and leadership in the locker room. He plays a valuable role playing alongside the young players who are early in their development. Shaw acts as another coach for his teammates. Of course, if given the choice, he would prefer to be playing on the big stage, but Shaw is currently more important to the Marlies than he would be if he were lacing his skates for the Maple Leafs.

Hopefully, Shaw manages to maintain his level of output for the remainder of this season and take it into the playoffs. The Marlies would like to rally behind their captain and win their first Calder Cup since 2018.