Marlies Advance to Calder Cup Final, Familiar Face Waiting in Chicago
When I last wrote about the Toronto Marlies, they were coming off back-to-back losses to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and had just let a game they appeared to have under control slip away. At the time, I suggested that loss could prove to be the turning point of the series in the Penguins’ favour.
As they have done throughout these playoffs, however, the Marlies showed remarkable resilience. They responded with a convincing 5-1 victory in Game 5 before following it up with a dramatic 2-1 overtime win in Game 6 to clinch the series and advance to the Calder Cup Final for just the third time in franchise history. (Note: This version of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate has only been in operation since 2005.)
Marlies Scoring by Committee Continues.
As has been the case throughout the postseason, the offence came from all areas of the lineup. Fifteen different Marlies recorded at least one point over the final two games of the series.
Easton Cowan responded in impressive fashion after his costly giveaway led directly to the goal that decided Game 4. The Marlies’ top prospect put the mistake behind him and delivered when his team needed him most, scoring two goals and adding an assist over the final two games as Toronto closed out the series and advanced to the Calder Cup Final.
The only other players to record multiple points over the two games were BO Groulx and Marshall Rifai, who each had a goal and an assist in the Game 5 victory.
Related: Professor’s Cup of Coffee: Morning Thoughts on Maple Leafs' Prospects.
Akhtyamov Answers the Call.
Despite the back-to-back losses, head coach John Gruden stayed with Artur Akhtyamov in goal. The decision proved to be an excellent one, as Akhtyamov stopped 71 of the 73 shots he faced over the final two games.
The “scoring by committee” narrative is also supported by the playoff statistics. The Marlies have used 23 skaters during the 2026 postseason, and every one of them has recorded at least one point. That doesn't mean certain players haven't stood out.
Toronto players currently occupy second through fourth place in playoff scoring. Vinni Lettieri is tied for first overall with Tristen Nielsen of the Colorado Eagles at 17 points. Nielsen currently holds the top spot in goals scored, with 10 compared to Lettieri’s 8. However, with Nielsen and the Eagles eliminated by the Chicago Wolves in the Western Conference Final, Lettieri will move into sole possession of first place with his next point.
William Villeneuve sits just one point behind Lettieri with 16 points and leads all defencemen in playoff scoring by a comfortable margin. His 16 points are five more than Chicago's Juuso Valimaki, who ranks second among blueliners. Logan Shaw currently sits fourth overall with 15 points.
A Familiar Face Awaits the Marlies on the Wolves.
Standing between the Marlies and the Calder Cup is a goaltender who may feel he has something to prove to Toronto: Cayden Primeau. If the name sounds familiar, it should. The Maple Leafs claimed Primeau off waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes on October 8 after Joseph Woll took a leave of absence. Primeau appeared in three games for Toronto, posting a 2-1 record along with a 4.30 goals-against average and an .838 save percentage.
When Woll returned on November 7, the Maple Leafs placed Primeau back on waivers. After clearing, he was reclaimed by Carolina and immediately assigned to the Chicago Wolves, a move permitted because every other NHL team had already passed on him.
Related: 3 Reasons Ivar Stenberg Might Be a Smart Pick for the Maple Leafs.
A Surprisingly Even Matchup.
It's difficult to identify a clear favourite heading into the Calder Cup Final. The teams met four times during the regular season, with each club winning twice. Toronto earned a slight edge in the season-series standings thanks to an overtime loss that provided the Marlies with a single standings point.
Looking at the broader picture, there was very little separation between the two clubs. Neither team dominated during the regular season, as both won exactly 36 of their 72 games. The difference was that Chicago earned points in more of its losses, finishing five points ahead of Toronto in the standings. The Wolves finished seventh in the Western Conference, while the Marlies placed eighth in the Eastern Conference.
The Marlies Don’t Have Home-Ice, but They Have an Opportunity.
Because the AHL seeks to limit travel costs, its playoff format differs slightly from the NHL’s. The Calder Cup Final will begin in Chicago, with Games 1 and 2 scheduled for Friday and Sunday. The series will then shift to Toronto for Games 3, 4, and 5. If necessary, Games 6 and 7 will be played back in Chicago.
Under that format, if the Marlies can split the opening two games on the road, they will return home with an opportunity to potentially capture the Calder Cup in front of their own fans.
Whether they can pull it off remains to be seen, but after everything this team has overcome during the postseason, few would be surprised to see the Marlies continue their improbable run for four more wins.