Maple Leafs prospects could be stuck with the Marlies longer than expected

Though there are some Marlies hopefuls like William Villeneuve, Artur Akhtyamov and Bo Groulx who are fighting for a roster spot, the changes made this summer may lead them to stick around the AHL a bit longer.

Although the Toronto Maple Leafs made a ton of moves this offseason, there are some hopefuls on the Toronto Marlies who made a case last year to fight for a roster spot. Winning the Calder Cup certainly helped their chances, as the team knows they have some winning pedigree in the system already.

But as good as they have been, their chances at getting an NHL shot lessened with the revamped bottom-six signings that John Chayka put together, and there's a handful of Maple Leafs players who could be stuck in the AHL a bit longer - three in fact.

William Villeneuve has to get a chance at the NHL level

For all intents and purposes, Villeneuve could be considered the closest AHL player to an NHL job than anyone. A puck-moving defender, he would add that offensive punch that Toronto needs while also being able to help out on the powerplay.

He had a great postseason with 23 points (21 assists) and he's someone who has constantly put up great numbers in the AHL but always seems to get passed over. Even when called up, he would sit until eventually being sent back down.

Villeneuve, 24, recently signed a two-year extension with the team and it feels like if there's a shot at making it; it's this season.

In 226 games with the Marlies since being drafted, Villeneuve has 120 points (12 goals, 108 assists) in the regular season, with an additional 25 points in 26 playoff games. He's also right-handed shot and would be a much better fit than Philippe Myers if they need a 7th/8th option.

This may be his last shot though, and if the team doesn't have him in their plans at the NHL level, then it wouldn't be surprising to see him being dealt away for a piece that does.

Bo Groulx's return to the NHL depends heavily on his offensive output

Unlike Villeneuve, Groulx has extensive NHL experience and is someone who is looking to make his way back. A stellar year in Toronto where he had 52 points in 59 games earned him a 13-game audition with the Maple Leafs where he had three goals and five points.

But he had 68 points between the regular season and playoffs for the Marlies in 81 games which is very respectable for a bottom-six forward, and while there's an onus on adding defence this summer - you still need scorers.

Groulx is a solid defender in his own right, and can play both wing and centre so he can slide in wherever Jim Hiller needs him.

He's also just getting into his prime years, so there's a chance he becomes even better. That is great news for the Marlies as they look to repeat, but even better news for Toronto if they need help down the line but he needs to show that offensive touch he had last year.

It's just unfortunate that all the signings the team made has given Groulx a lot more competition than expected, because he was someone only a few months ago was looked at as almost a lock for the fourth line.

Artur Akhtyamov's MVP season won't get him a chance right away

Of everyone who made the Marlies the powerhouse in the playoffs, Akhtyamov has to be at the top of the list. He shut down everyone he came across, was clutch at every turn, never gave up on himself and put up some incredible numbers along the way.

He was so good in fact, the team decided that trading Dennis Hildeby and Samuel Ersson was worth it, and with Joseph Woll headed out to make way for Sergei Bobrovsky, he's basically the next in line.

But there's the issue - waiting.

Akhtyamov struggled in his brief NHL stint and admitted as such, but has a fire to improve and is a proven winner both here and in Russia. His numbers speak for themselves, and his calm nature means that the spotlight won't bother him much at all.

That's great, but Toronto invested heavily into the tandem of Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz, trying to recreate the magic they had in Florida. Odds are they are going to run with that until they can't and even if Stolarz is hurt, Bobrovsky is going to take the majority of starts.

It's unlikely Toronto carries three goalies coming into the season, and Akhtyamov isn't at risk of being lost through waivers. He could have a strong camp but at best it will give John Chayka confidence to call him up when needed - not that he's ready to step in now.

But giving him another year of seasoning and a chance to run with the starter job in the AHL, we might not be seeing Akhtyamov now but come 2027? He may be the guy behind Bobrovsky - and we know how their relationship is which could lead to a Russian tandem for Toronto sooner than later.

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