The Toronto Maple Leafs have a certain advantage as an organization: their name value. That is the likely reason guys like Joseph Blandisi and Josh Ho-Sang are willing to play in the AHL for the Marlies.
When you look at Ho-Sang and Blandisi, it’s a little bit surprising that they’re willing to play at the AHL level, the latter not even on a full contract, rather he’s still inked to a try-out deal. And yet, both are willing to do so for a shot at playing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Blandisi has 101 NHL games to his name, mostly with the New Jersey Devils.