The Toronto Marlies are your 2026 Calder Cup Champions after a storybook run that gives a lot of new hope for the future of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Toronto Marlies couldn't get the sweep on Thursday night but they managed to secure the Calder Cup on Friday with a 4-3 win over the Chicago Wolves. Led by three assists from Easton Cowan, a record-setting goal from Vinni Lettieri and some crucial saves from Artur Akhtyamov, the junior Maple Leafs got it done.
Akhtyamov was also named the Calder Cup MVP as he recorded a 14-7-0 record with aa 2.22 GAA and .923 SV%.
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Marlies win the 2026 Calder Cup after gutsy performance in Game 5 vs. Chicago
Cowan was a man possessed as he managed to nab three assists in the second period, including a beautiful pass to Bo Groulx to tie the game at two:
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Then he managed to slide in a gorgeous pass to Jacob Quillan who managed to put the team ahead 3-2:
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Then Vinni Lettieri set the Marlies single-season points record with an absolute laser from the point that completely fooled Cayden Primeau who had absolutely no chance:
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But the story of the night was Landon Sim. After getting the Marlies on the board, he fired up his teammates on the bench and managed to even lay in a lot of physicality along the way:
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He was a firecracker all night and legitimately made a case to be a Maple Leafs fourth liner next year given his tenacity, speed, and aggressive style.
Cowan finished with three points, William Villeneuve had two assists to bring his total up to 21 which is the second-highest for a defender in AHL Playoff history, and Artur Akhtyamov made 20 saves.
Their elation was felt throughout the whole building as the team looked to be on Cloud Nine:
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The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to have a few choices to make come this offseason
Well if this doesn't throw a wrench into John Chayka's plans. If there are players he had in mind to trade or sign for, some of the Marlies may have a case to be the one to make it instead. Sim was a nightmare for the Wolves all night and adds the exact type of pesky, aggressive behaviour Toronto needs, he loves to get involved, won't be afraid to fight and he can add some offence.
Bo Groulx was great again and his patience on the tying goal shows he has a lot more offensive talent still in there. He had a great regular season and continued that in the postseason but picked it up in the Final.
Then you have to wonder if Villeneuve has a spot on the blueline especially with wanting to add more mobility. His 21 assists in the postseason is impressive and the fact he was such a killer on the PP means Toronto could have a well-oiled man advantage group with two great offensive leaders.
Then there's players like Quillan, Luke Haymes, Ryan Tverberg, and Ben Danford who are all going to try and have a strong camp and translate this season into an NHL job.
Not to mention the team already views Akhtyamov as someone who could be a legitimate star goalie, and the fact that he never cracked under pressure even after some shaky performances shows that he may be the one who pushes the team to the next level in the playoffs.
It's a spoil of riches for Chayka and the Maple Leafs though it makes their job this summer a little more difficult.
But for now? Let's just sit back and enjoy the fact the Toronto Marlies are your 2026 Calder Cup Champions.
Congratulations to the Toronto Marlies!
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