Five Takeaways From Toronto Marlies Season Opener

The Toronto Marlies 2024-25 campaign officially kicked off on Saturday, with the team taking on the San Diego Gulls at Coca-Cola Coliseum.

A back and forth matchup, the Marlies took down the Gulls by a score of 4-3.

Here are five takeaways from the Marlies first game of the season:

1. Matt Murray’s first game one of peaks and valleys

Coming off a limited 2023-24 season, Murray’s first game of the campaign did not get off to the best start, letting in the first shot he saw from Nikita Nesterenko. Following that though, Murray seemed to gain his composure, stopping the next 13 shots he faced.

Although the Gulls added two goals on seven shots in the final frame, Murray can take some positives away from the season opener. With the Gulls pushing to tie the game late in the third, he stood on his head when it mattered most.

With Joseph Woll out for the forseeable future, Dennis Hildeby will continue to serve as the Leafs backup, allowing Murray to get some games under his back and potentially re-gain his form.

2. Nick Abruzzese flashes puck skills

Abruzzese, a 2019 fourth-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, flashed his small area puck skills in the Marlies’ season opener. When given time in the offensive zone, Abruzzese was regularly able to find teammates in the slot and around the net with the puck.

Entering his third season with the Marlies, can Abruzzese play his way into a call-up? In eleven career games with the Leafs, he has collected three points. Although Abruzzese’s last time with the team was in 2022-23, he could potentially play his way into a role on the team if the Leafs are struck by injuries.

3. Nikita Grebenkin’s game looks suited for North America

A 2022 fifth-round pick of the Maple Leafs, Grenbenkin suited up in his first official pro game on North American ice and did not look out of place.

Confident with the puck, Grebenkin looked to extend offensive zone sequences for his team using his edgework and also showed off his willingness to be physical. Having garnered praise by Leafs coaching staff and players alike, Grebenkin looks to have a solid chance to make his NHL debut this coming season.

4. Quillan, Solow, Mastrosimone line develops quick chemistry

The Marlies line of Zach Solow, Jacob Quillan and Robert Mastrosimone developed quick chemistry in the team’s first game.

They moved the puck efficiently in the offensive zone and caused havoc for the Gulls in the second period with an extended sequence that saw them create numerous scoring chances. It will be interesting to see if Marlies coach John Gruden goes back to them in their game against the Gulls Sunday. They could very well be difference makers for the Marlies this season.

5. Alex Nylander drawing the eyes of fans and players alike

When Alex Nylander was introduced before the start of the game, the Marlies’ crowd gave him the loudest ovation of the night.

In what seemed like an energy booster, Nylander came out of the gates looking to create. Even with defenders on him, Nylander was fabricating scoring chances and looked good in his first game with the Marlies.

If the Leafs are to be bit by the injury bug, it is likely that Nylander would be one of the first recalls. Having experienced success with the Columbus Blue Jackets last season, Nylander could serve as a solid depth piece for the Leafs.

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