Toronto Marlies Roster Enhancements
The Toronto Marlies are actively enhancing their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season, making notable signings to strengthen their lineup.
Key Acquisitions
Among these acquisitions is forward Marc Johnstone, who returns to the Marlies with a two-year contract after a stint in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization over the last two years. Johnstone’s career took a pivotal turn when he secured his first NHL entry-level contract shortly after Kyle Dubas transitioned from the Maple Leafs to the Penguins in 2023.
On December 8, 2023, he made his NHL debut in a game against the Florida Panthers.
His return to the Marlies reunites him with General Manager Ryan Hardy, who has played a key role in his development. As a 29-year-old veteran, Johnstone is expected to provide valuable experience and leadership in a squad filled with younger prospects.
Goaltending Reinforcement
Also joining the Marlies is goaltender Ken Appleby, who signed a one-year contract with the team. Appleby last appeared in the NHL during the 2023-24 season while with the New York Islanders. The 6-foot-4 netminder had a productive year with the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL, boasting an impressive .910 save percentage and a goals-against average of 1.96 over 24 games, including securing six shutouts—ranked second in the league for that statistic.
His signing is particularly timely following Matt Murray’s exit to the Seattle Kraken and could provide a stabilizing influence for young goaltenders like Dennis Hildeby, Artur Akhtymov, and Vyacheslav Peksa.
Additional Roster Moves
In another move, the Marlies added forward Reese Johnson to their roster on a one-year deal. Johnson was acquired by the Maple Leafs from the Minnesota Wild at the previous season’s trade deadline in exchange for future considerations. After the trade, he participated in six games with the Marlies, recording an assist, and contributed to two playoff games for Toronto, incurring four penalty minutes.
These signings indicate the Marlies’ commitment to building a competitive team while fostering young talent as they gear up for the season ahead.
