Leafs blueliner not claimed on waivers, headed to the Toronto Marlies
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Carl Dahlstrom has cleared waivers and is expected to make his season debut for the Toronto Marlies in the AHL. Dahlstrom was placed on waivers yesterday for the purpose of getting him some playing time and, fortunately for Toronto, he cleared.
The 28-year-old was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks but didn't make his NHL debut until the 2017-18 season. He played for the Rockford IceHogs for 3 seasons before getting his chance with the big club.
Unfortunately he never stuck around long enough and has only skated in 67 career NHL games, 3 of which have come in a Leafs uniform in 2021-22 - where he collected 2 assists. Dahlstrom also appeared in 49 games with the Marlies that same year, didn't score a goal but added 14 assists.
Now with the Marlies and after successfully rehabbing a shoulder injury that he suffered in training camp, Dahlstrom should make an impact on the backend. His best season came back in 2017-18 with the IceHogs where he scored 3 goals and 28 points in 64 games. He also added 3 goals and 9 points in 13 playoff games.
Dahlstrom will join a defensive corps that already includes NHL veteran Jordie Benn, Noel Hoefenmayer who paces the backend with 34 points in 58 games, William Villeneuve, and Marshall Rifai. The Marlies are hoping for a deep run in the Calder Cup playoffs.
