First place in the AHL’s North Division, the second-best power play in the league — the Toronto Marlies are having a season.
The team is 8-1-1 in their last 10 games and they’re also two points off the top spot in the AHL. This is something that a lot of people likely wouldn’t have predicted at the beginning of the season.
Toronto is undefeated in 2023 and who knows when their first loss could come. The past two games have gone to overtime, but strong play from both Joseph Woll and Erik Kallgren have kept them from having a game go in the lose column.
William Villeneuve’s comfort level rising
Villeneuve is one of the most fascinating players on the Marlies this season. It’s his first professional year, and being a fourth-round pick, his season could could go either way.
As a defenceman coming from junior to the AHL, the initial phase might be a little difficult to get used to. Though over time, things will become easier as you get more comfortable, and stronger.
“He’s an impressive hockey player,” said Marlies head coach Greg Moore back in early December. “There’s a lot of things he does with the puck and how he positions himself around the rink in his reads that is elite.
“Once his body continues to develop, and get stronger and faster, then all of a sudden you’re going to see this pop where he’s going to be able to control games offensively and defensively. (He’s) a really special player. …

Read More

Author: Nick Barden / The Leafs Nation