The Maple Leafs reassigned six players to the Toronto Marlies, who have secured a Calder Cup playoff spot. Easton Cowan and Dennis Hildeby are among those headed to the AHL.
Maple Leafs announce just the right move as season officially ends originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Toronto Maple Leafs had a disappointing 2025-26 season, to say the least. After the end of the regular season, the Canadian franchise made just the right move.On Friday, the Leafs announced they reassigned six players to the Marlies, their AHL affiliate, which, unlike the parent club, did qualify for the playoffs.The players in question are goalie Dennis Hildeby, defenseman William Villeneuve, and forwards Easton Cowan, Luke Haymes, Ryan Tverberg, and Jacob Quillan.Correction:G Dennis Hildeby, D William Villeneuve, F Easton Cowan, F Luke Haymes, F Ryan Tverberg and F Jacob Quillan have been assigned to the Toronto Marlies (AHL). https://t.co/mIo9JHLGlI— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) April 17, 2026Toronto Marlies host Laval Rocket on Saturday and Sunday to close regular seasonThe Marlies currently sit in fourth place in the North Division with a record of 34-26-5, for a total of 78 points after 70 games.
They have already secured their spot in the Calder Cup playoffs.The AHL regular season ends Sunday. The Toronto Marlies will play against the Laval Rocket on Saturday and Sunday, both times at home.The reassignment of the aforementioned talents is a big boost for Toronto. In fact, players like Cowan, 20, were beginning to establish themselves with a spot on Craig Berube's team.
Hildeby, 24, and Haymes, 22, also left very good impressions in the time they had with the Leafs.It might be sad for local fans that the parent club not only missed the playoffs but did so in disastrous fashion. But the Marlies are still in contention to give the fanbase some joy at the end of this season.More NHL news:Maple Leafs fans are going to love Toronto's newest signingMaple Leafs coach Craig Berube sends 'fabulous' message to fansInsider reveals Maple Leafs' blueprint after dismissing Brad TrelivingMaple Leafs coach Craig Berube confirms lineup changes comingMaple Leafs move closer to naming new hockey boss