‘An Intelligent Player’: Maple Leafs Prospect Luke Haymes Set To Make

Haymes was recalled by the Maple Leafs on Tuesday and practiced with the team before returning to the Marlies on Wednesday for their school-day game against the Utica Comets, which Toronto won in overtime.

Advertisement

The Ottawa, Ontario-born forward has been a center in the Marlies’ middle six for most of this season, tallying 17 goals and 32 points in 64 games, and has adjusted well to the pro game after leaving Dartmouth College last spring.

Haymes signed a two-year contract with the Maple Leafs just over a year ago, with this season being the first year of the deal.

“He’s got skill. He seems like an intelligent player to me,” said Craig Berube on Tuesday after Haymes’ first practice with the club.

“I haven’t watched him a ton down there, but he’s gotten better and better, I know that. He plays in all situations down there, but he’s a guy that, I’m not sure where he’ll fit in when he does (play), but like I said, he’s got ability, he’s got skill, and he’s got a pretty good mind for the game.”

Advertisement

Haymes will likely slot in as the fourth-line center against the Islanders. Jacob Quillan, with whom Haymes spent the majority of his season with on the Marlies, could move up to Groulx’s spot on the third line.

“He’s a really good player,” said Quillan of Haymes following Toronto’s 4-0 loss to the Washington Capitals. “A lot of speed. He’s having a lot of success with the Marlies, and he can shoot the puck. Looking forward to seeing what he can do.”

“He came in, and you can tell, he tried to feel out how fast the game would be in the AHL level, and he adjusted to it pretty well,” Groulx added on Wednesday…