Maple Leafs Prospect Blake Smith Makes Mark with Toronto Marlies in Rookie Campaign
As part of ongoing coverage of the Toronto Maple Leafs, attention turns to the club's prospects, with a weekly check-in on hopefuls across the hockey landscape. Today, the focus is on defenceman Blake Smith of the Toronto Marlies, who has emerged as a standout in his first professional season.
Smith's Unexpected Rise in the AHL
When the Maple Leafs signed Blake Smith to a three-year entry-level contract in April 2025, they took a calculated risk on the undrafted overager from the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League. Initially expected to compete for ice time, the 21-year-old Oshawa native has seized opportunities created by injuries, playing in 51 of the Marlies' 60 games. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 219 pounds, Smith has not only brought strength and muscle from the blue line but has also demonstrated solid defensive capabilities.
His statistics reflect this impact: with eight points, including one goal and seven assists, Smith leads rookie defencemen in the American Hockey League with 108 penalty minutes and boasts a plus-10 rating, second among Marlies defencemen. Marlies coach John Gruden praised Smith's contributions, noting, "He has been a big surprise and he has made a big difference in the physicality department, for sure. He understands what he needs to do to make it a career. He's willing to do whatever it takes." Gruden added that Smith's willingness to fight provides a sense of security for skilled players, allowing them more freedom on the ice.
Family Legacy and Personal Drive
Smith's hockey pedigree is notable, with his father, Derrick, having played over 500 NHL games for teams like the Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota North Stars, and Dallas Stars. His mother, Wendy, is the sister of former NHL players Keith and Wayne Primeau, and his older brother, Dalton, plays for AHL rival Hershey. This family background has equipped Smith with insights into the game's demands. "It's nice coming from a hockey family," Smith said. "You know what to expect."
Arriving at camp with confidence after a brief stint with the Marlies at the end of the previous season, Smith set a goal to remain with the team throughout the year. "I knew if I could get into some games, I could stay in the lineup. That was my mindset," he explained. "It's a physical league, and that's one of my attributes. That helped me a lot to adjust. I'm a pretty good skater, so that has helped too. It's nothing I haven't been able to handle."
Future Prospects and Mentorship Dynamics
Alongside fellow Leafs defence prospect Noah Chadwick, Smith has made positive strides as a freshman with the Marlies. While his long-term hockey future remains uncertain, his first year shows promising signs. Gruden emphasized, "He's a great kid, he's coachable and he's doing a lot of good things. He makes us a better team."
In related news, Maple Leafs rookie Easton Cowan, selected 28th overall in 2023, has taken on a mentorship role with defenceman Ben Danford, picked 31st in 2024. Despite busy schedules, the two maintain regular communication, with Cowan offering guidance on navigating the NHL. Danford noted, "He's someone I feed off, and going next year with my first year pro, he's someone I can lean on, with him going through it this year." Cowan expressed support for Danford's OHL pursuits, adding, "He deserves to win. I'm rooting for him. He's going to play in the NHL very soon."
As the season progresses, Blake Smith's development with the Toronto Marlies continues to draw attention, highlighting the potential for undrafted players to carve out significant roles in professional hockey.
