Toronto Maple Leafs: Andreas Johnsson leads Marlies to Calder Cup Final

The Toronto Marlies advanced to the Calder Cup Final after sweeping the Lehigh Valley Phantoms with Andreas Johnsson leading the charge.

For the first time since 2012, the Toronto Marlies will be going to the Calder Cup Final for the first time since 2012 after sweeping the Lehigh Valley Phantoms with Toronto Maple Leafs‘ forward Andreas Johnsson leading the way.

Since rejoining the Marlies after the Leafs were eliminated by the Boston Bruins, the Marlies have gone on a 9-0 run and will now wait for the winner of the Rockford IceHogs and the Texas Stars.

How good has Johnsson been in Calder Cup Playoffs? In nine games he has six goals, nine assists for 15 points which is only two back of Chris DiDomenico who has 17 with Rockford in 12 games.

Johnsson hasn’t been alone in the playoffs as the Marlies are deploying a well-balanced attack with Trevor Moore scoring 13 points in 13 games and highly touted prospect Carl Grundstrom scoring 10 points.

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In goal, Garret Sparks continues to showcase himself for a promotion to the NHL next season, he improved to 10-2 with 1.96 GAA and a .926 sv% . For many players on this Marlies team, they are certainly leaving a strong impression on this new front office with potential job opening expected going into next season.

No player has left a bigger impression than Johnsson who was able to draw into the Leafs’ lineup even when Leo Komarov was cleared to return. His skill and intensity are something that are desirable qualities that Mike Babcock will appreciate if Johnsson earns an extended role with the Leafs.

Grundstrom is another obvious candidate to get an extended look at training camp with the way he’s been able to step right in with the Marlies after coming over from the SHL.

Even head coach Sheldon Keefe is optimistic about his team’s chances speaking to the media after the game. 

"“We’ve played three great teams (Utica, Syracuse and Lehigh) and swept two, but we’ve been tested and pushed,” said Keefe. “We persevered and that’s the sign of a champion.”"

The Marlies will host the first two games of the Calder Cup Finals on Jun. 2nd and 3rd at Ricoh Coliseum with both games starting at 4:00 p.m.

Next: Leafs prospect Eemeli Räsänen signs two-year deal in KHL

What has impressed you the most about this Marlies postseason run? Which prospect has really stepped up for you? Let us know in the comments below.