The Toronto Marlies have advanced to the AHL's Calder Cup final after a dramatic overtime victory over the Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton Penguins, winning 2‑1 and securing their first final appearance since 2018.
A Bridge to the NHL
The series will pit the Marlies against the winner of a matchup between the Colorado Eagles and the Chicago Wolves, a contest that will determine the opponent in what could become a historic promotion pathway for the organization.
The Marlies' recent success is not new; several members of the 2018 championship staff have climbed into the NHL, most notably Kyle Dubas, who rose to general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Sheldon Keefe, who was promoted to head coach in the 2019‑20 season.
Under the leadership of GM Ryan Hardy and head coach John Gruden, this year's squad blends veteran experience with promising youngsters such as Easton Cowan and Jacob Quillan, both of whom credit their playoff run with the Marlies for growth as players.
Hardy, who has served as GM since the 2021‑22 season, and Gruden, now in his third year as head coach, are viewed as potential candidates to step into roles with the Maple Leafs, echoing the career trajectory of past staff like Kyle Dubas and Sheldon Keefe.
The organization's pipeline has historically produced NHL regulars, including Trevor Moore, Justin Holl, Mason Marchment, Kasperi Kapanen, Travis Dermott, Timothy Liljegren, Pierre Engvall and Carl Grundstrom, all of whom began their professional journeys in the AHL with the Marlies.
Prospects such as Luke Haymes, Ryan Tverberg, Noah Chadwick, Artur Akhtyamov and Dennis Hildeby are also watched closely, as each could earn an NHL call‑up in the coming years.
The pattern extends beyond the Marlies; coaches who have captured the Calder Cup, including Jon Cooper, Jared Bednar, Jeff Blashill, Ryan Warsofsky, Manny Malhotra, Todd McLellan, John Tortorella, Peter Laviolette and Barry Trotz, have later carved out notable NHL careers, underscoring the league's developmental role.
As the final approaches, the Marlies' blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent promises to reinforce the Maple Leafs' depth, while the staff's proven track record suggests that another wave of promotions could be on the horizon.