Logan Shaw is the most important player in the Marlies playoffs that no Maple Leafs fan is talking about

Heading into Sunday afternoon, the Toronto Marlies were in a do-or-die game against the Rochester Americans as they looked to advance in the Calder Cup Playoffs. They were victorious and managed a 4-2 win, capped off by a near 200-foot goal from Marlies defender William Villeneuve.

But they were led by none other than the captain himself, Logan Shaw. With two goals he cemented himself not only as the leader, but someone they can reliably count on time and time again. He's consistently been at a top level in the AHL and right now he could be the team's X-Factor.

Shaw, 33, was drafted 76th overall by the Florida Panthers in 2011 and has 232 games of NHL experience albeit with only 39 points. However, if you were to look at the AHL numbers you can tell right away he's got some talent.

With the Marlies this season, Shaw had 54 points in 72 games (23 goals, 31 assists) while adding 45 PIM and already three points in three playoff games. For his career with the Marlies he has 223 points in 277 games (84 goals, 139 assists) since coming over in 2022-23, but has yet to appear in a game for the Maple Leafs.

Shaw is manning the top line centre role right now and thriving, and if he can score a few more goals like he had today — the team is going to be in very good hands:

Also, Shaw surpassed Alex Steeves as the Marlies all-time leading scorer, with Steeves sitting second place with 216. The closest on the list currently with the team is William Villeneuve who sits over 100 points less with 120; Shaw came in and immediately dominated. The team wouldn't be the same without him, and he deserves a look at the NHL level.

It's hard to say honestly. While Shaw has been stellar around the Marlies, there are a lot of players who are much younger and could play a longer role in the team's future plans as opposed to Shaw.

Perhaps he can't be someone who plays on a consistent basis, but much like Bo Groulx was rewarded this year, Shaw needs to next year. Toronto is notorious for getting riddled with injuries, and Shaw's durability ensures he's always available.

Given that the team already let one all-time leading scorer go in Steeves without a real shot, Shaw on the fourth line as a veteran replacement for and injured teammate — and someone with a lot of offensive and defensive upside — it's a nice spot.

That should be reserved for emergencies though considering that names like Jacob Quillan and Luke Haymes; even Groulx is going to be fighting hard for an NHL job and with the fact they've already gotten the call and Shaw hasn't doesn't bode well for his future aspirations.

Though, if the team was smart they would keep him around. Not only is he going to be a great mentor for the young players, but also someone who can be an X-Factor in this year's playoffs and potentially the NHL ones too.

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