Marlies forward plays the game of his life, making a strong case for an NHL recall at some point
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been very good about reward excellent performances from the Marlies this season, calling up several players throughout the year and giving them a taste of NHL life either through having them practice with the big club or even inserting them into the NHL lineup.
We have seen the likes of Nicholas Robertson, Alex Steeves, Pontus Holmberg, Bobby McMann and Dennis Hildeby earn roster recalls and while some have been contributors at the NHL level, others have gone back down without skipping a beat, continuing to carry a good attitude and playing as hard as ever.
One young Toronto Marlie may be next on the list for a roster recall with his tremendous two-way play this season. That player is first-year AHLer Ryan Tverberg.
Tverberg, a Richmond Hill, ON native, was originally drafted in the 7th round (213th overall) in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The Leafs drafted Tverberg knowing that he had committed to the University of Connecticut, where he played 3 seasons, finishing his collegiate career under a point per game. However, the details of his game are good and have translated well at the pro level.
After playing 7 games last season to get a taste of AHL hockey, Tverberg came to play in 2023-24, having amassed 18 points in 17 games this season, including a 4-goal, 5-point performance last night against the Belleville Senators, which earned him player of the game honours.
Tverberg was always a long-shot to make the NHL. He's not large by any stretch of the imagination, standing 5'11 and 187 lbs, but what he lacks in size he makes up for with his intelligence.
As a first year pro, the Leafs may opt just to leave Tverberg where he is to continue to adjust to the pro level, but I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest to see him earn a roster recall at some point this season if the injury bug bites, even if only as the 13th or 14th skater.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 13 | 402 ANSWERS Marlies forward plays the game of his life, making a strong case for an NHL recall at some point Do you think 21-year-old former 7th round pick Ryan Tverberg end up being an effective NHLer? | ||
| Yes, it seems that way | 180 | 44.8 % |
| No, he's too small | 130 | 32.3 % |
| Who? | 92 | 22.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
