Toronto Marlies: Midsummer roster preview for the 2017-2018 season
By Omar L
Returnees
Nielsen had a solid rookie season with the Marlies putting up 39 points in 74 games. The hope is that next year he shows an improvement in his own zone. With other d-men on the team moving on or moving up (tease for later), Nielsen could very much be the team’s best blue-liner.
Holl has been a decent second pairing guy for the team and may play along side one of the new players. Valiev has fallen pretty far down the organizational depth chart and it may be hard for him to get ice time. It wouldn’t surprise me if he is also moved before the beginning of the season for space.
Additions
Rosen and Borgman are the two main additions on the team after being signed out of the SHL. Despite the lack of coverage, Marlies fans are really excited to see what these two can do. In particular Borgman who was the SHL rookie of the year.
LoVerde was signed on July 1st previously serving as captain of the Ontario Reign. With a handful of young players projected to be on the blue line, it’ll be good to have a veteran presence who knows how to win. Paliotta is another option who could be thrown on the bottom pairing while Cleland is most likely destined for the Solar Bears.
Subtractions
Campbell wont be returning after serving captain for the past two seasons. However, looking at the additions, it’s not too much of a loss on the ice. Off the ice, Campbell was a great mentor and voice that helped a lot of the rookies this season.
Olesky and Wrenn have also moved on but didn’t spend too much time with the Marlies anyway. Olesky signed a contract with the Anaheim Ducks while Wrenn will be playing in Germany next year.