Five Toronto Marlies Prospects to Monitor for the 2026-27 Campaign

Although the Toronto Maple Leafs fell short of expectations this season, their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, delivered a memorable campaign highlighted by a deep playoff run that culminated in a Calder Cup victory.

The championship was a collective effort, with veterans contributing alongside emerging talent. Several of the organization’s top prospects made significant impacts and are poised to build on that success in the upcoming season. Below are five Marlies players worth watching.

Artur Akhtyamov

Artur Akhtyamov’s stellar goaltending was instrumental to the Marlies’ Calder Cup triumph. He delivered numerous highlight-reel saves, finished the playoffs with a .923 save percentage and a 2.22 goals-against average, and earned playoff MVP honors. His competitiveness and composure kept Toronto in contention every night.

With Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Akhtyamov has become the Marlies’ goaltender of the future. He will assume the starting role and receive increased workload as he continues his development. His strong playoff performance left general manager John Chayka little choice but to commit to him moving forward. Having Sergei Bobrovsky on hand as a mentor could prove invaluable during training camp or should Akhtyamov receive an NHL call‑up.

Ben Danford

Ben Danford enjoyed a productive season, making an impression during the Maple Leafs’ preseason and serving as a leader for the Brantford Bulldogs in the OHL. Although the Bulldogs fell short of a championship, Danford’s two‑way play stood out. He was promptly added to the Marlies roster after his junior season ended and adapted smoothly to the professional game.

Miroslav Holinka

Miroslav Holinka enjoyed a breakout campaign, tallying 80 points in 59 games. His WHL playoff performances revealed a knack for clutch scoring, elevating his status as a top prospect in the Maple Leafs organization.

Holinka is a smart, reliable two‑way player. While it remains to be seen whether his offensive output will translate to the AHL, he possesses the tools to succeed. He boasts a heavy shot and can be dangerous in open ice, using his deception to locate passing lanes and sustain offensive pressure. He should provide an additional scoring boost to a Marlies squad that already possesses offensive depth.

Luke Haymes

Luke Haymes showed marked improvement in the second half of his rookie professional season after a slower start. He garnered praise from head coach John Gruden and received an NHL call‑up when injuries depleted the Maple Leafs’ roster. Overall, he performed admirably.

When Haymes is at his best, he becomes a formidable presence in the offensive zone, using his strength to shed defenders and navigate toward scoring chances. He battles vigorously along the boards, leveraging his 6‑foot‑1, 203‑pound frame, and his hockey sense allows him to position himself optimally to finish plays.

Noah Chadwick

Noah Chadwick enjoyed a solid inaugural AHL season, recording 23 points in the regular season and five more in 16 playoff contests. Like Danford, he is expected to assume a larger role this coming year and be counted on for greater responsibility.

While Chadwick may not dazzle from the blue line, he is a dependable defender who consistently makes safe, smart decisions. He remains composed during breakouts, capable of initiating rushes, and effectively navigates the offensive zone to generate plays and open shooting lanes.

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