Toronto Marlies are Making the Toronto Maple Leafs Proud

While the Toronto Maple Leafs focus on trying to finish their regular season in second place in the Atlantic Division, the Toronto Marlies are leading the AHL’s North Division.

The Toronto Marlies are on a three-game winning streak and have won seven of their last ten games.

They have an overall record of 40-16-3 in 59 games. With 83 points, the Marlies have a commanding lead in the North Division. The Utica Comets are second in the division with 66 points. Toronto’s commanding lead in the division is thanks in part to their 24-9-1 record against divisional opponents.

The Marlies will look to continue their hot streak on Friday, March 17th, with an afternoon game. They will be playing on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ home ice at Scotiabank Arena instead of at Coca-Cola Coliseum.

It will be a special treat for kids on March Break to see the Marlies play in the larger arena. The Toronto Maple Leafs will also play at Scotiabank Arena later that night against the Carolina Hurricanes.

With Friday being St. Patrick’s Day and Toronto’s Irish history, the Marlies and Maple Leafs will be wearing green and white instead of their normal blue and white colours. For those that don’t know, the Toronto Maple Leafs were once known as the Toronto St. Pats from 1919-1927. Here is a look at how the Toronto Marlies players are doing this season.

The Toronto Marlies have a few forwards having productive seasons. Some have even had the privilege of playing some games with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Here’s a look at a few of the Marlies’ forwards.

Toronto Marlies Impressing Toronto Maple Leafs

Logan Shaw

Logan Shaw is the captain of the Marlies, and he is also leading the team in points. He has 18 goals and 43 assists for 61 points in 56 games. This is Shaw’s first season as team captain, as former captain Rich Clune retired in the summer. Shaw took part in the AHL All-Star game and is looking to lead this team to a Calder Cup championship. (Stats from eliteprospects.com)

Alex Steeves

Alex Steeves has 17 goals and 28 assists for 45 points in 55 games with the Marlies. He has also spent some time with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season but recorded zero points in three NHL games. Steeves will look to challenge for a roster spot with the Maple Leafs next season.

Nick Abruzzese

Nick Abruzzese is playing in his AHL rookie season. He has 15 goals and 27 assists for 42 points in 59 games. Abruzzese is 7th in AHL rookie scoring, just four points back of 1st place Ruslan Iskhakov of the Bridgeport Islanders. Like Steeves, Abruzzese will challenge for a roster spot in the NHL next season. He is a pending RFA, so Toronto will need to re-sign him first.

Bobby McMann

Bobby McMann has 21 goals and eight assists for 29 points in 29 games. His 21 goals lead the team in that category. He also leads the team in power-play goals with ten. McMann played in eight games with the Toronto Maple Leafs in their bottom six. He did not register a point while with the Maple Leafs but will challenge for a roster spot with them next season, and may even get another opportunity this year.

Noel Hoefenmayer

Noel Hoefenmayer has 11 goals and 23 assists for 34 points in 55 games. After spending parts of the past two seasons with the Marlies and playing in the ECHL, this is Hoefenmayer’s first full AHL season. He has made the most of it and even made it to the AHL All-Star game.

William Villeneuve

Willam Villeneuve registered 56 points in 64 games for the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL last season. He has adjusted to AHL fairly seamlessly, with two goals and 18 assists for 20 points in 45 games for the Marlies. Not bad for his rookie season.

Marshall Rifai

Marshall Rifai took the long road to pro hockey. The 25-year-old spent four years in the NCAA playing for Harvard University. He is in his rookie season with the Toronto Marlies and is doing fairly well. Rifai has four goals and 12 assists for 16 points in 58 games.

Mac Hollowell

Mac Hollowell recorded 13 assists in 18 games for the Marlies before fracturing his kneecap on December 3rd, 2022. He had successful surgery on January 16th, 2023. His recovery time is a minimum of 12 weeks which would be the first week of April. He registered two assists in six games with the Maple Leafs before sustaining the injury against the Tampa Bay Lightning.