3 Couples Looking to Have Big Offensive Seasons – Hockey Writers – Toronto Marlies

As we approach Toronto Marlies training camp and the start of the 2024-25 NHL season, it's time to review the roster and assess which players could see improvement in their game this season. Last season, we saw an increase in production and growth from players like Ryan Tverberg, Marshall Rifai, and Nick Abruzzese, who all posted impressive numbers. This opens up opportunities for new players to step up and play an important role, benefiting from the growth of players from last season to have a breakout season with the team and improve.

Players like Nick Robertson, Bobby McMann, and Pontus Holmberg have excelled in the American Hockey League (AHL) and have been given opportunities with the Maple Leafs due to their strong play. With continued improvement, they may earn spots on the NHL roster this season or in the future. Here are three Marlies players to watch for a productive season in 2024-25.

1. Topi NiemelaThe Protector

In Topi Niemela's first full season with the Marlies, he scored eight goals and 31 assists for 39 points in 68 games. He handles the puck well, can distribute it effectively in different areas of the middle zone, and does not hesitate to use the center of the ice. He consistently shows a high level of skill when controlling the puck. He intelligently scans the ice with shoulder checks as he skates to retrieve the puck and then moves quickly to change the play on the fly. Overall, he led all defenders in scoring, showing that he played as the best defender in the team.

Niemela is confident and calm behind the scenes and shows excellent composure without the puck as well. He makes smart plays on breakouts and is always the first to retrieve pucks. Additionally, he builds self-control in physical engagements and skirmishes. Even though he's getting used to the pace of North American hockey, he needs to keep that mindset going forward. Including his way of leading the rushing team, he led the team in assists with 13 players, who helped the Marlies into eleventh place in power play last season at 19.3%. He has all the tools to turn back the power play and offense on his own and can continue to use that this coming season.

2. Fraser Minten, Centre

Fraser Minten, drafted by the Maple Leafs in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft in the second round, is praised for his leadership qualities, high hockey IQ, and strong skill set. While his skills may not be as obvious as some of his peers, his smart decision making allows him to play a realistic and realistic game on the ice. In his draft year, he was considered a potential top-six forward, especially after a fantastic 2022-23 season with the Kamloops Blazers, where he scored 31 goals and 36 assists for a total of 67 points in 57 games. His production dipped slightly in the 2023-24 season, as he scored 22 goals and 26 assists for 48 points in 43 games split between the Blazers and Saskatoon Blades. With the Maple Leafs full of center depth, Minten saw some time last season with the Leafs in four games but was eventually sent back to the minor leagues, which will continue this season unless something significant happens during training camp.

Related: 4 Maple Leafs Prospects Who Could Be In The NHL In 2024-25

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 190 pounds, Minten has the physical and intellectual attributes needed to establish himself as a bottom six center in the NHL. His outstanding skills include shooting and physical play. He is adept at delivering a powerful one-timer, uses a smooth curl and drag wrist, and uses two-touch wrists, making him equally effective in shooting under pressure and in the open. Having the ability to be paired with guys like veterans in Logan Shaw and a younger, faster player like Abruzzese, we can see what Minten can bring to the team with his skill set as he continues to develop.

3. Ty VoitWinger/Center

Ty Voit is one of the most interesting players for the Marlies this season. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, he tore through the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Sarnia Sting, finishing his final season in 2022-23 with a career-high 24 goals and 81 assists for 105 points. , second most assists and points in the OHL that season. He is quick to get the puck and makes smooth moves like stick lifts, turns, and saucers. His game is full of creative and unexpected attacking strategies. He draws defensive pressure and makes plays at multiple levels. Instead of holding the puck too long, he prefers to use pa-and-go passes and make passes early after entering the zone. Unfortunately, Voit has been dealing with major injuries over the past two years that could affect his first season with the Marlies, but the potential is still there.

A lot of people might focus on his size — 5-foot-9, 150 pounds — but he has a very dynamic skill set and a sharp offensive awareness when he's on the ice. He consistently demonstrates the ability to take control in any situation and has a knack for closing gaps and rebounding. Voit displays a combination of intelligence, playmaking ability, and creativity with the puck, reminiscent of Mitch Marner. He is always looking for passing opportunities and has the ability to draw opponents to open up the game. Voit's passing is accurate and deceptive, allowing him to make long accurate passes and quick give-and-go plays. His quick feet, high speed, and deft hand skills enable him to outrun and outplay defenders. With deceptive body movement and quick handwork, Voit constantly confuses the opposition with unexpected plays.

The Marlies will be a fun team to watch this season. Despite finishing with a 34-26-10-2 record in the North Division and losing in the first round against the Belleville Senators, this team has great potential. Many promising prospects are signed and allowed to show their skills and develop within the program. If the Marlies are going to be successful this season, it will revolve around one, if not all, of Voit, Niemela and Minten's contributions to the team and the skills they bring to the ice.