Down in the series early, and down again in the deciding Game 5, the Toronto Marlies continued their playoff run by advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they took Game 1 yesterday. Although there is still a lot of relevant news in other areas of the organization, the Marlies strong play is deserving of attention. With so much improvement needed over last season, the Leafs will need all the help they can get in turning things around.
Let’s take a look at the Marlies playoff run and what it might mean for the Leafs going forward.
Cowan
Easton Cowan was bound to be a topic of conversation. Still an AHL rookie, Cowan’s performance would always be closely monitored. Throw in his NHL stint this season, and this late-season foray is all the more relevant. To top it all off, Cowan scored the series-deciding goal with just over ten seconds left in regulation of Game 5.
It has not been perfect. Cowan does not lead the team in points, and AHL scorers like Vinny Lettieri have been more dangerous overall. Cowan has made plenty of gaffes as well, including some dangerous giveaways in transition. The expectations are high given his pedigree and his NHL performance this season, and some feel underwhelmed that Cowan is not more dominant in this playoff run.
Still, Cowan’s work cannot be undersold. Even in the regular season, his playoff scoring pace would be considered strong for a rookie. There are no doubt still some teachable moments, but such is the point of this AHL foray. Though his icetime wavered throughout the NHL season, he ended his first season as a professional getting a big role in high-leverage games.
Combined with some visible chemistry alongside fellow London Knights alumnus John Tavares, it paints a bright picture for Cowan next season. While expecting a true star player to emerge might be a bit lofty, Cowan has shown a lot of dimension and upside as a rookie.
Danford
After playing most of the season in the OHL, Ben Danford has jumped into a regular spot in the Marlies lineup. This is a huge development for Danford, one that confirms his potential and his progress. A defensive player, Danford’s game should not be measured by point totals. This can make his development seem stagnant when stuck in junior.
After a strong training camp earned him ample praise for a pro-style game, Danford is proving his believers right. Now is not the time for charity, as the Marlies season has been on the ropes. Through it all, the team has turned to Danford, not only as a rookie but also as a new addition.
Danford is proving that he will be ready to be an impactful AHLer next season, if not more. The Leafs should not be too quick to rush him along, just as fans should not get too focused on his AHL production. With a strong training camp and start to the season, Danford might find himself a top call-up option come the winter.
For now, he finds himself paired with Noah Chadwick, another interesting Leafs prospect. The duo could be a top pairing for the Marlies next season, which would bode well for both players.
Villeneuve
Long seen as a late-blooming, long-term project in the Leafs system, William Villeneuve has had an outstanding run in these playoffs. The clock has been ticking on his NHL chances, but a lot of things seem to have come together for Villeneuve.
Taking the lead as the primary offensive option on the Marlies blueline, Villeneuve has produced. Granted, his role and skill set might be limited at the NHL level, but this is a valiant push for Villeneuve. A right-shot, puck-moving option is rare in the Leafs’ system, so perhaps by that merit alone, Villeneuve will be relevant to the Leafs next season.
Akhtyamov
Though Dennis Hildeby has more NHL experience, Artur Akhtyamov continues to hold the net for the Marlies. He has been solid on this playoff run, as the Marlies were outshot by the vanquished Cleveland Monsters all series.
Together, Akhtyamov and Hildeby give the Leafs a great deal of depth in net. Alongside Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll, the Leafs currently have four goalies worthy of an NHL start. This kind of depth is a comfort, but it is also unlikely to last. Any one of the four might find themselves in a trade if the Leafs look to divest from this depth to bolster other areas of the lineup. At the same time, any of the four could author the best remaining career.
Akhtyamov’s strong play does not guarantee him anything next season, but it is still a positive development for the Leafs. With Hildeby’s waiver exemption coming to an end, there might have to be a decision made sooner rather than later.
Tverberg
Like Villeneuve, Ryan Tverberg has long been considered a late-blooming project. There have been moments where Tverberg looked to be making strides, others where his development seemed to stagnate. Regardless, despite time ticking away on his designation as a prospect, Tverberg has put a lot together in this playoff run.
There have long been elements of speed and skill to his game, but Tverberg has rounded out a fairly functional skill set. Able to win battles along the walls, Tverberg has risen to the occasion physically as well as offensively. He might make an interesting complement on a line if he leads with a relentless effort to do dirty work.
With a new coach on the horizon, the Leafs lineup will experience a power vacuum. Training camp will be huge for players like Tverberg and Villeneuve to potentially push up the lineup. At the very least, they will find themselves in position battles in the preseason.
Competition
The Marlies are somewhat unexpected as a Conference Finalist. Playoff success in the AHL is not always a precursor to NHL success, but it does signify some level of organizational health.
The Western Conference Finals sees farm teams of some current gold standard NHL organizations facing off: the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche. Both are known for deep systems that have helped power their NHL teams over most of the last decade.
The Marlies, meanwhile, will face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins affiliate. The Penguins have acquired a number of young players since Kyle Dubas took over. Leafs fans will remember how much Dubas appreciates a strong AHL program, helping the Marlies to their last Calder Cup.
Given how much of a mess the Leafs were at the NHL level this season, this success at the AHL level is less expected. The Marlies will need to win two more seven-game series to become champions, but regardless of the outcome, Leafs fans can be encouraged.
