The Toronto Maple Leafs, as everyone knows, made a handful of moves to address gaps in the roster -- from forwards to goalies. This fuels more hope that the team can build off a terrible campaign and have a successful future. Now, three specific players might have very well been blanked out of a chance to earn more time in the NHL with the club.
These players are Bo Groulx, Jacob Quillan and William Villeneuve. With the year these players had with the Toronto Marlies, it seems as though they won't be rewarded, at least yet, with more NHL playing time.
Bo Groulx
While Groulx did end up serving a stint with the Leafs in the NHL last year, in which he was solid before going back down to the AHL to help the Marlies win the Calder Cup, the chances of him being a regular with the Leafs have now been minimized.
Groulx dominated as he placed third in points by Marlies players (52) and led them in goals (28). Although his numbers were good, Groulx now has to wait for another chance to really drive home why he should be in the lineup permanently. Although there is no guarantee he makes the team out of camp, he would ideally be one of the first players from the Marlies to receive a call-up, should he be needed.
Jacob Quillan
Much like Groulx, Quillan spent some brief time with the Leafs. Now, they are in the same boat as the signings made have left little to no place for him as well. While he only recorded three points (a goal and two assists) in 23 NHL games played last year, Quillan was a known factor with the Marlies as he put up 14 goals, 22 assists for 36 points in 40 regular season AHL games.
The good news is that Quillan is still young, as a 24-year-old with only 24 NHL games under his belt. This means there is still plenty of time for him to get a stable role with the Leafs, and he could be in the same category as Groulx as Marlies who could be the first to get an NHL call-up this year.
William Villeneuve
Although Villeneuve looked like a sneaky player who could have inserted himself into the opening night roster, it looks like we might have to wait a while longer to see him in the NHL full-time. The Leafs are currently loaded up on defencemen, especially since they have acquired Emil Andrae and Darren Raddysh this offseason.
The 24-year-old led all Marlies blueliners in both points in the regular season (30) and in the playoffs (23). The ability for Villeneuve to be the top defenceman for the Marlies should have skyrocketed his chances, but the addition of another young blueliner (Andrae) and a top-pairing blueliner (Raddysh) has pushed him back. The best chance we see Villeneuve take the ice at the NHL level is if the Leafs trade away another defenceman. If not, the wait will happen until at least next season to see him full-time in the show.
It's too early to predict what could happen, as training and development camp has not started yet. However, as of now, Groulx, Quillan and Villeneuve might be doubtful to make the team if other players soar past expectations.
The good news is they would likely be the 'next up' should any injuries take place. Speaking of injuries, the chances of Max Domi suiting up for the Fall are slim to none as of now, which could benefit the likes of either Groulx or Quillan. Nonetheless, these players are still a short distance from being full-time Leafs, but they still get the chance to run it back with the Marlies to defend their Calder Cup title.
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