Leafs: Toronto Marlies Season End Review and Grading Each Position

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Feb 29, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Connor Carrick (8) shoots the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Air Canada Centre. Tampa Bay defeated Toronto 2-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Defence

With a dominant offence, the Marlies did not need to have a strong blueline. Rather, they just needed one that could move the puck efficiently.

T.J. Brennan returned to the Marlies and once again led all defencemen in scoring, with 68 points in 69 games. One player who stepped up in a big way during the playoffs was Connor Carrick, who did not start with the Marlies until the playoffs but then arguably became their best player.

In 15 games, Carrick had seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points, along with 41 shots on goal. In 16 games with the Leafs, Babcock has complimented him on his work ethic: “I think he’s been competitive and he’s played a simple game, and he’s not been in very many of the scoring chances-against, so that’s positive for a young ‘D’”.

Viktor Loov and Andrew Campbell played well for the Leafs defensively and their experience made it easier for a young player like Rinat Valiev to transition to professional hockey. Valiev could make a big jump next season on the Marlies depth chart at only 21-years old and he will be accompanied by more young defencemen making the jump from juniors.

Suddenly, the Marlies blueline could be the most important position to watch next season.

Final Grade: B+

Players expected to move on to the NHL: Carrick and Stuart Percy

Considerable mentions: Loov, Justin Holl and Valiev

Players to watch moving forward: Travis Dermott, Andrew Nielsen, and Stephen Desrocher

Next: Grading the goalies

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