Leafs add 10 players to playoff roster as ''Black Aces''
Unlike the Maple Leafs, the Toronto Marlies failed to make the playoffs this season. They needed just one point in their final game of the season to clinch a spot and unfortunately lost in regulation. While not making the playoffs, it does give the Leafs access to the Marlies' top players should they be needed in case of injury.
The Leafs added goaltender Michael Hutchison along with defensemen Mac Hollowell, Filip Král, and Kristiāns Rubīns to their list of "Black Aces". In addition, up front they added the likes of Joey Anderson, Pontus Holmberg, Dmitri Ovchinnikov, Nick Robertson, Brett Seney, and Alex Steeves. Many of those added to the Leafs roster today have some, although minimal, NHL experience and know Keefe's systems fairly well.
Obviously these players are bottom six, bottom pairing players, but many of them are serviceable and can add fresh legs to the lineup if needed. If there is one player that would make a top six impact given the chance, it would be Nick Robertson. He had been on an absolute tear with the Marlies since being sent down and seems to have developed a patience to his game when he has the puck. Along with his shot, his playmaking has gotten much better, as has his game away from the puck.
| POLL | ||
MAI 2 | 590 ANSWERS Leafs add 10 players to playoff roster as ''Black Aces'' Which "Black Ace" stands the best chance of playing for the Leafs in the playoffs? | ||
| Michael Hutchinson | 32 | 5.4 % |
| Alex Steeves | 40 | 6.8 % |
| Nick Robertson | 453 | 76.8 % |
| Joey Anderson | 65 | 11 % |
| List of polls | ||
