Leafs: Toronto Marlies Season End Review and Grading Each Position

Regular season review

Going into the season many expected the Leafs to be at the bottom of the standings. However, there was less certainty with how the Toronto Marlies would play.

In years past the Marlies would have a balance of veteran players with young players, but the veterans played a more prominent role. Now, with the Leafs making more of a point to focus on drafting and developing prospects, this meant big change for the AHL affiliate.

With Sheldon Keefe taking over as the new head coach, expectations for the Marlies were different from before. What the Leafs hoped to accomplish with Assistant GM Kyle Dubas in charge was to have a system where the roster would become accustomed to the way Leafs head coach Mike Babcock wants them to play in the NHL.

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While the team was not focused on the playoffs heading into the season, expectations certainly changed when the Marlies were dominating and shot right up to the top of the standings. The oldest player for the Marlies this season was Justin Johnson (34), which showed their commitment to developing their younger players.

It was the best possible situation for the Leafs organization and their prospects, because it was a competitive environment and their prospects were leading the way. One of those players was William Nylander at 19-years old.

There was the debate in training camp as to whether Nylander should be on the Leafs opening day roster, but they made the right choice in sending him to back to the AHL. While he was probably good enough to make the Leafs out of camp, the organization wanted him to play regularly at centre.

This proved to be the right decision as Nylander was dominant over the course of the season with the Marlies, eventually earning him a callup with the Leafs after the trade deadline.

Next: The playoffs