Each spring, the Toronto Marlies begin their annual search for free agent players to bring into the organization to fill out their AHL depth and ECHL roster for the following season. Given the organizational stance on development and how to use the minor league affiliates, the Marlies bring in multiple NCAA and CHL free agents every year to fill the aforementioned needs while also bringing in players that have the potential to develop into something more.
Since 2018, three prospects that have signed with the Marlies have later been upgraded to NHL contracts in Kristians Rubins, Pavel Gogolev, and Curtis Douglas. Goaltender Keith Petruzzelli is making a strong case with the Newfoundland Growlers to earn an ELC too, while Bobby McMann remains on an AHL contract but has become a dependable top-nine forward for the Marlies this season.
Though we will have to wait a few more weeks to see what CHL free agents are brought into the organization, GM Ryan Hardy has already been active in the NCAA free agent market, inking five players to 2022/23 AHL contracts.
Marshall Rifai | LD | Harvard (ECAC)
The Marlies first signing for 2022/23 came when they announced the addition of Harvard defenceman Marshall Rifai.
A teammate of Tor …
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Author: Kyle Cushman / The Leafs Nation