The Toronto Maple Leafs announced they have recalled 14 players from the Toronto Marlies following their AHL affiliate's first round playoff loss to the Cleveland Monsters.
Forwards Alex Steeves, Jacob Quillan, Nicholas Abruzzese, Reese Johnson, Alex Nylander, and Roni Hirvonen were recalled.
Six defensemen including Matt Benning, Cade Webber, Topi Niemela, William Villeneuve, Mikko Kokkonen, and Marshall Rifai were recalled.
Goaltenders Matt Murray and Dennis Hildeby will also join the Maple Leafs. Artur Akhtyamov has been serving as the team's third goaltender.
The Maple Leafs have recalled the following players.
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) April 29, 2025
F Alex Steeves
F Jacob Quillan
F Nicholas Abruzzese
F Reese Johnson
F Alex Nylander
F Roni Hirvonen
D Matt Benning
D Cade Webber
D Topi Niemelä
D William Villeneuve
D Mikko Kokkonen
D Marshall Rifai
G Matt Murray
G Dennis…
All 14 players will join the Maple Leafs as 'Black Aces' that will allow them to practice with and be around the team during their playoff run.
While none of these players are likely to see playoff action Steeves - who finished second in the AHL with 36 goals in 59 games - Quillan, Nylander, Hildeby, and Murray have all played NHL games this season.
This is a common move for playoff teams as the NHL's roster limits and salary cap do not apply in the playoffs.
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