Toronto Marlies New Lineup Spark Speculation of Surprise Maple Leafs Call-Up

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off on Sunday, it's going to be a wild and intense Battle of Ontario as the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs are set to do battle in a series that is no doubt going to bring a lot of excitement for current fans, and bring back a lot of memories for older ones.

The Maple Leafs look as strong as they ever have heading into Sunday's first game of the series and with a lineup that has suddenly found its groove and become a well-oiled machine, there's only a few minor hiccups here and there.

Having the strongest goaltending in decades, a revamped defense, and a coach who isn't going to mess with the lineup too much when it comes to the playoffs; it could be Toronto's year.

But with them gearing up for potentially their first Stanley Cup in 58 years, they might be looking to add one particular bit of edge to their team and it involves calling up a controversial, but lovable player.

As the Toronto Marlies play the Utica Comets as they try to secure a playoff spot themselves, conspicuous by his absence is Ryan Reaves. The veteran enforcer didn't suit up in a crucial game, so what does this mean?

Toronto can't really call anyone up for their game against Detroit, they don't have the cap or roster space. But come Friday, we might see Ryan Reaves back up on the NHL team.

Granted, he really should only be there for morale purposes as the lineup has been so good lately, and really should only be used in case of emergency such as an injury or replacing a clearly struggling player.

But if he does come back, it does bring the locker room even closer together as the entire group loves him dearly, and he often brings a lot of levity to the locker room when times get tough, and during the playoffs; that kind of support is invaluable.

He scored his first goal of the season with either team earlier this month with the Marlies and skated in three games since being demoted at the deadline.

In 35 games, Reaves has two assists, 103 hits, 28 PIM and a minus-2 rating in only 7:48 TOI.

It's not for certain that Ryan Reaves will return to the lineup for the playoffs, but his absence from the Marlies and the potential to help Toronto can only leave it open as a big possibility.

Let's just hope he doesn't end up messing around with the good thing the team currently has going on.