The Toronto Marlies are a professional American Hockey League (AHL) team based in Toronto, Ontario. They serve as the top minor-league affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). Established in the 2005 season following the relocation of the St. John's Maple Leafs, the Marlies have played their home games at Coca-Cola Coliseum since their inaugural campaign. [1]
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Since their inception, the Marlies have been one of the AHL’s most competitive teams, consistently qualifying for the playoffs and earning multiple division titles. They reached the Calder Cup Finals in 2012, [2] [3] [4] and captured their first Calder Cup championship in 2018 by defeating the Texas Stars in a seven-game series. [5] [6] [7]
In their inaugural season under the new name, the Marlies competed in the North Division, in the Western Conference, and established a foundation for future success. Their early years were highlighted by a strong affiliation with the Toronto Maple Leafs, which helped strengthen their roster and development system. They would qualify for the playoffs before falling to Grand Rapids in 5 games. In the 2007–08 season, the Marlies would win 50 games and record 109 points, winning the North Division and advancing to the Western Conference Finals, where they were defeated by the, eventual Calder Cup champions, Chicago Wolves in 5 games. The team continued to improve, culminating in their capturing of the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy during the 2015–16 and 2017–18 regular season for having the best record. In the playoffs that year.
Beyond team achievements, the Marlies have built a strong reputation for player development, graduating numerous prospects to the NHL. The organization places a dual emphasis on fostering individual talent and maintaining team competitiveness, even amid coaching changes and roster turnover. [8]