In the 2015-16 regular season, the Maple Leafs continued building a firm and important link between the team’s NHL roster and its American League affiliate Marlies squad. With the year over for the Buds, team management returned many young players to the AHL for what it hopes is a very long playoff run – and a number of veteran Leafs who’ve been through the grind of a post-season charge at the professional level made sure they advised the youngsters on the challenges that lie ahead.
“I was talking with (rookie Leafs centre) Willie (Nylander) the other day, about it – you’re not going to go down there and run the show,” Leafs centre Brooks Laich said in early April of the message he delivered.