Nick Abruzzese’s hockey journey has been considered one of progress and improvement. Nevertheless, he’s not fairly prepared for prime-time motion with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. He was positioned on waivers to reassign him again to the AHL Toronto Marlies.
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Abruzzese’s Early Hockey Journey
Abruzzese’s offensive skills had been evident early on. He started his hockey profession with the Chicago Metal within the USHL. There, he posted 36 factors within the 2017-18 season. The next yr, he poured in 80 factors in 62 video games. His spectacular play made him one of many high gamers within the league, and he helped the Metal advance deep into the playoffs.
Abruzzese’s collegiate profession at Harvard College additional showcased his expertise. In his first yr (2019-20), he posted 44 factors in 31 video games, persevering with to show his skill as a playmaker. After a pandemic-shortened collegiate profession, he debuted for the Maple Leafs throughout the 2021-22 season. In complete, he performed 9 video games and scored his first NHL objective.
Nevertheless, most of his improvement has come within the AHL with the Toronto Marlies. He registered 52 factors in 71 video games throughout the 2023-24 season. He established himself as one of many high contributors to the Maple Leafs’ system.
With a number of standout AHL seasons beneath his belt, Abruzzese aimed for a full-time NHL function. However given a deep Maple Leafs roster, he’ll proceed creating his abilities within the staff’s AHL affiliate. On the similar time, he’ll be ready for a chance on the subsequent stage. His offensive consistency and playmaking skill hold him on the group’s radar as a possible mid-season call-up.
Abruzzese Has Been a Standout for the Marlies
Abruzzese, now 25, has been a standout for the Marlies. He put up spectacular numbers final season. His skill to distribute the puck and create scoring alternatives made him a high participant within the AHL.
Regardless of his potential, the present depth of the Maple Leafs’ NHL lineup—particularly with gamers like Pontus Holmberg, David Kämpf, and veteran Ryan Reaves taking over key spots—implies that Abruzzese should look forward to his likelihood to interrupt into the primary roster full-time. Moreover, with Steven Lorentz on an expert tryout, competitors for bottom-six roles stays tight.
That the Maple Leafs positioned Abruzzese on waivers to reassign him again to the AHL Toronto Marlies was anticipated. Though he hasn’t seen NHL motion since his two-game stint in 2022-23, Abruzzese’s constant manufacturing within the minors suggests he’ll proceed to be a beneficial asset for the Marlies. He’ll doubtless spend many of the 2024-25 marketing campaign within the AHL.
What Occurs to Abruzzese Now?
Will Abruzzese doubtless stay a key participant for the Marlies if he clears waivers? He’s already proven he can maintain his personal if he’s known as up throughout the common season. It might be arduous for the Maple Leafs to not expertise accidents because the season progresses. Followers ought to anticipate him to proceed creating within the AHL as he waits for a extra everlasting function within the NHL lineup.
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