Rally capper: Marlies set to party
Johnsson isn’t the only Marlie whose NHL stock has risen — with the Leafs or elsewhere
The Toronto Marlies want their fans to come party with the Calder Cup. Fans are invited to Ricoh Coliseum starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, and players will take the podium at 2 p.m. to celebrate their AHL championship. Led by playoff MVP Andreas Johnsson and backed by goalie Garret Sparks, the Marlies won their first Calder Cup, taking Thursday night’s Game 7 against the Texas Stars 6-1.
With a Calder Cup and playoff MVP trophy to his credit, Andreas Johnsson has probably seen the last of the American Hockey League. He led the playoffs in scoring (10 goals, 14 assists) and was the Marlies’ best player in their Game 7 Cup clincher on Thursday night. Similarly, Travis Dermott is also done with the AHL. The two can bring their playoff success with them to the Maple Leafs, a team that is still trying to figure out how to win four of seven against a single opponent in April. The Leafs believe in promoting from within, so the hope is that the success of the Marlies will translate to the NHL. Here’s a look at some players other than Johnsson who helped their cause in the playoffs, with thanks to a pro scout who follows the Marlies closely and offered his analysis on condition of anonymity:
FORWARDS Miro Aaltonen and Carl Grundstrom
Playing with Johnsson, it’s easy to see the Marlies’ entire top line becoming the Leafs’ fourth unit. They’re young, fast, skilled and dangerous on offence. If the Leafs are moving to four lines with speed, these guys fit the bill. You know about Johnsson. Aaltonen (four goals, nine assists) is creative, smart and can kill penalties. Grundstrom (eight goals, six assists) has grit on top of that.
Scout’s take: “That entire line could make the jump together. With the Finns and the Swedes, you never have to worry about their work ethic. These guys bring it. Grundstrom checks off all the boxes and he has underrated puck skills. Aaltonen could slide in nicely to a fourth-line centre role. He’s shown that ability to be abrasive when he needs to be.”
DEFENCEMEN Justin Holl and Calle Rosen
Partly because he’s a right-handed defenceman and the Leafs need one, Holl (three goals, two assists) will get a long look. He still makes mistakes, but he was a primary penalty killer with the Marlies, a role he could fill for Mike Babcock if Roman Polak does not return. Rosen (five goals, six assists) anchored the power play, was steady in the regular season and rose to the occasion.
Scout’s take on Holl: “I remember seeing him three years ago and thought he would never play in the NHL. Too slow. Didn’t make good puck decisions. But fast forward, he’s been one of the most consistent defencemen. His puck-moving ability is at the NHL level.”
On Rosen: “I wasn’t a big fan of his, but from the playoffs his stock has risen. He has been one of the more pleasant surprises, especially offensively. It took him half a season to understand the North American game.”
BETWEEN THE PIPES Garret Sparks
The Leafs will have to figure something out here. Sparks, a believer in the power of positive thinking, calls himself an NHL goalie. He had the best season of his five years as a pro, and he had the type of Game 7 — bouncing back from a shoddy Game 6 — that makes teams notice. His playoff performance (14-5, 2.22 goalsagainst average, .915 save mark) might not have been as good as his regular season (31-9-2, 1.79, .936), but he seems primed for NHL work, likely as a backup. The Leafs have Curtis McElhinney. May the best ’keeper win, and may the other land with another NHL team on waivers.
Scout’s take: “I think he’s an NHL goalie. Is he ready to start? I don’t think so. He’s going to need a year of playing 15, maybe 20 games. Garret Sparks has done all he could at the American league level.”
LATE BLOOMERS Trevor Moore and Mason Marchment
Moore, a left winger, took it like a pro when Johnsson rejoined the Marlies, bumping him down to the fourth line, and he was terrific — fast and skilled and committed. He had six goals and 11 assists in 20 playoff games, fourth in the AHL in points in a limited role. The Leafs signed him in 2016 out of the University of Denver. Marchment, the son of exNHLer Bryan Marchment, took an unusual path by staying in Tier 2 hockey until he was 19, then joining the OHL. He worked his butt off the last two years on a minor-league deal, and now has an NHL entry-level contract. He scored twice in Game 7 and had six goals, three assists in the playoffs. Scout’s take on Moore: “He’s really been able to elevate his stock. If it isn’t with Toronto, I’m sure he’s garnered more attention with other teams.”
On Marchment: “A really good story. This guy turned some heads. Had to prove his worth and has demonstrated a lot. His compete level — this guy has got it.”