John Chayka had no trouble jumping on the Marlies' bandwagon, especially with the farm team just one win away from the Calder Cup heading into Thursday's game against the Chicago Wolves. The Maple Leafs general manager witnessed their 1-0 Game 3 victory at a packed Coca-Cola Coliseum, setting up a potential sweep. It gave him a glimpse of what lies ahead when the big team turns the corner, possibly with some of these players.
Chayka Praises Team Connection
"What stood out wasn't just the quality of play, it was the connection, the investment and the pride," Chayka said Wednesday, praising the Marlies before a media Zoom call with incoming Leafs coach Jim Hiller. "This is a city that cares deeply about hockey, but more importantly cares deeply about the people who represent it. I thought you could feel the love people have for this organization at every level. We never lose sight of the responsibility that comes with representing this crest."
Full Credit to Marlies Management
Chayka noted earlier in the week that he would be fine with the hockey department winning a title without his involvement, giving full credit to GM Ryan Hardy, coach Jon Gruden, and their staffs. When the Marlies last won the Calder in 2018 under future Leafs GM Kyle Dubas and coach Sheldon Keefe, half the roster later played in the NHL.
Marlies Not Taking Wolves Lightly
The Marlies are not expecting the Wolves, the Carolina Hurricanes' AHL affiliate, to fold easily. All three games have been close: Toronto needed an empty-net goal in Game 1, then overtime and a 24-save shutout from Artur Akhtyamov in Game 3. "We know what's at stake, we're not getting ahead of ourselves," Gruden said after Game 3.
Akhtyamov's Stellar Playoff Run
Akhtyamov is in contention for the Jack Butterfield Trophy as AHL playoff MVP, with a .928 save percentage — best among remaining netminders. The trade of Joseph Woll to the Flyers could shorten his NHL path. The Marlies boast a strong defense and three of the top five playoff scorers: Vinni Lettieri (24 points), William Villeneuve (19), and captain Logan Shaw (17). Winger Easton Cowan continues to impress after a long rookie season with the Leafs.
Defenceman Matt Benning said the younger Marlies are self-motivated. "A lot of it is just positive energy," Gruden added. "You're in such high stakes in the playoffs here, one mistake is the difference of a goal. For me, it's letting some of the younger guys know there's eight minutes left and it's 1-0, let's get the puck in, play a simple game, get on their defence. They're easy to encourage, they do the right thing."
