The Toronto Maple Leafs have made some big moves ahead of their crucial Game 6 showdown against the Boston Bruins, recalling nine players from the Marlies.
With the pressure on to stay alive in the playoffs, the Leafs wasted no time bolstering their roster. Nine players were summoned from the Marlies to join the big league squad.
This move comes after the Marlies suffered an early playoff exit, falling short against the Belleville Senators and dashing their hopes of a Calder Cup run.
As noted by David Alter, it's standard practice for AHL players with two-way contracts to get the call-up to the NHL after their playoff journey ends.
"This isn't anything. It's common for teams to call up their entire roster of NHL contracted players when the minor-league team is done."
While coach Sheldon Keefe is expected to stick with the winning lineup from Game 5, these call-ups provide valuable depth. In the event of injuries or if the Leafs push the series to a decisive Game 7, any of these players could be called upon to make an impact on the ice.