This Toronto Maple Leafs’ playoff run has shown what a difference an injection of talented youth could mean to the franchise and its success. Prior to suffering a concussion, Matthew Knies helped increase the tempo and make the team offense even more dangerous. Knies may not be the only rookie on the team next year after the breakout season had by one of the Toronto Marlies.
The Marlies have moved on to the third round of the AHL Calder Cup Playoffs and it’s in no small part thanks to one of their rookies, Nick Abruzzese. He has been simply incredible all year long.
Born in Slate Hill, New York, the 23-year-old has played both left wing and center. He stands 5 feet 10 inches and weighs 193 pounds. He was drafted by the Maple Leafs in the fourth round (124th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
Nick Abruzzese is making his case to be called up sooner rather than later
Abruzzese would be the latest product of Harvard University to join the Maple Leafs. While he was in the NCAA, Abruzzese showed great promise. He was added to the 2022 United States Olympic Hockey Team while boasting the tenth-best points per game average (1.24) in America. He was even named co-captain in his final year with the Crimson. That season saw him collect 33 points in 28 games from nine goals and 24 assists.
Abruzzese signed a two-year deal to join the Leafs organization. In his first year with the Marlies, he continues to produce. This season, he got into 69 contests where he recorded 16 goals and 32 assists for a total of 48 points. In his first four games of the playoffs, he also added notched four assists.
The Leafs must be very happy with what they’ve seen from Abruzzese. They will almost certainly offer him a qualifying offer by the 5 PM cutoff on June 25. The cost to the team will be $803,250. This will ensure that Abruzzese can only negotiate his next contract with the Maple Leafs.
With seven expiring forwards contracts currently on the Maple Leafs’ roster, there should be a position available for Abruzzese. He would be a cheap option for the team, which could help provide the cap space for the franchise to re-sign Ryan O’Reilly.
If he does make it to the Maple Leafs’ roster, it wouldn’t be Abruzzese’s first time. He has already participated in nine NHL contests. After finishing up with Harvard in 2021-22, he got his chance to play with the Leafs. Abruzzese played nine games where he averaged 10:13 minutes per outing.
In his last game that season, the forward recorded his very first NHL point when he scored on Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins. Abruzzese also played two more NHL games this season. He picked up an assist in each of them.
While he may be a full-time Leaf as soon as next year, Abruzzese will continue his push to make the Marlies Calder Cup champions. They are set to face the Rochester Americans in the North Division finals beginning on Thursday.