Toronto Maple Leafs add 14 new players to playoff roster
The Toronto Maple Leafs are adding a few reinforcements to their playoff mix.
On Tuesday, the team announced that they’re adding 14 players to their playoff roster, all of whom are coming up from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies ahead of Game 5 against the Ottawa Senators.
After the Marlies were eliminated from their first-round playoff matchup in just two games, the practice of calling up players from the AHL affiliate is a longstanding one for Toronto and the NHL’s other 31 teams.
Informally known as “black aces,” these players aren’t likely to feature in the playoff lineup unless there are several injuries ahead of the Leafs.
Here’s a quick look at the team’s newest additions, as they stock up for the playoff run.
Leafs’ new forwards
- Alex Steeves
- Jacob Quillan
- Nicholas Abruzzese
- Reese Johnson
- Alex Nylander
- Roni Hirvonen
Alex Steeves is perhaps the most notable of the group, having skated in seven games for Toronto in the NHL this year. Jacob Quillan skated in his first NHL game for the Leafs earlier this season, while Alex Nylander is likely relishing the chance to skate again with his older brother, William.
Leafs’ new defencemen
- Matt Benning
- Cade Webber
- Topi Niemelä
- William Villeneuve
- Mikko Kokkonen
- Marshall Rifai
Thirty-year-old Matt Benning has 24 games of NHL playoff experience with the Edmonton Oilers and Nashville Predators, but has yet to play at the NHL level this season.
Leafs’ new goalies
- Matt Murray
- Dennis Hildeby
With Dennis Hildeby making a few starts for Toronto this season, Murray slots in as the Leafs fourth goalie, and is likely the most experienced fourth goalie in the entire NHL.
A two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Murray has 50 career starts in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Remaining Toronto playoff schedule
Game 5: Senators at Maple Leafs, Tuesday, April 29, 7 p.m.
Game 6: Maple Leafs at Senators, Thursday, May 1, TBD*
Game 7: Senators at Maple Leafs, Saturday, May 3, TBD*
*if necessary
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