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2026 Hamilton Hammers vs Toronto Marlies

NHL Affiliate Map: What Toronto Maple Leafs Fans Need To Know

NHL Affiliate Map: What Toronto Maple Leafs Fans Need To Know

Meet the Toronto Maple Leafs' AHL and ECHL affiliates, the Toronto Marlies and Cincinnati Cyclones, plus top prospects to watch in 2026-27.

Sep 24, 2026 by Ajay Shah
NHL Affiliate Map: What Toronto Maple Leafs Fans Need To Know

The Toronto Maple Leafs don't have to look far for proof that their development system is producing results.

The Toronto Marlies enter 2026-27 as the defending Calder Cup champions, while the Cincinnati Cyclones return as the organization's ECHL affiliate after helping several players on their way to Toronto's championship roster.

Here's what Maple Leafs fans should know about Toronto's AHL and ECHL affiliates entering 2026-27.

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2026 Hamilton Hammers vs Toronto Marlies

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Who Are The Toronto Maple Leafs' AHL And ECHL Affiliates?

The Toronto Marlies are the Maple Leafs' AHL affiliate, while the Cincinnati Cyclones serve as the organization's ECHL affiliate.

The Marlies play at Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto and have served as the Maple Leafs' primary development team since 2005.

Cincinnati provides another professional development destination in the ECHL and enters its 25th season in the league.

Why Maple Leafs Fans Should Watch The Toronto Marlies

The Marlies enter the season with a championship to defend.

Toronto captured its second Calder Cup in 2026, defeating the Chicago Wolves in five games in the Calder Cup Finals.

The organization also has a proven track record of sending players to the NHL. Since 2005, 89 players have appeared for the Maple Leafs after first playing for the Marlies.

There will be a new coach leading the title defense. Steve Sullivan takes over after championship coach John Gruden joined the Maple Leafs' NHL staff.

Toronto opens its 72-game season Oct. 2 at Rochester before hosting the expansion Hamilton Hammers on Oct. 3.

Toronto Maple Leafs Prospects To Watch With The Marlies

  • Artur Akhtyamov: The goaltender was the star of Toronto's championship run, going 15-7 with a 2.22 goals-against average and .923 save percentage in the playoffs. Akhtyamov won the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as Calder Cup Playoff MVP and enters 2026-27 pushing toward an NHL opportunity.

  • Ben Danford: Toronto's 2024 first-round pick joined the Marlies during the playoffs and recorded three points in 16 games. The 20-year-old defenseman gained valuable professional experience during the championship run and is expected to continue his development this season.

  • Landon Sim: Sim provides a direct example of Toronto's affiliate system at work. After spending time with Cincinnati, he moved up to the Marlies and was part of their Calder Cup championship team.

  • Sam Stevens: Stevens recorded 43 points in 47 games for Cincinnati last season before appearing in four games with the Marlies. Toronto re-signed him to a one-year AHL contract this offseason.

What Else Is New With The Toronto Marlies?

Toronto's coaching staff has changed considerably despite the championship.

Mark Giordano remains an assistant coach, while Denver Manderson and former Marlies head coach Greg Moore have joined Sullivan's staff.

The Marlies also re-signed goaltender Ken Appleby, another player who spent significant time with Cincinnati before becoming part of Toronto's Calder Cup-winning group.

Who Are The Cincinnati Cyclones?

The Cincinnati Cyclones are the Maple Leafs' ECHL affiliate and provide another level in Toronto's development system.

Last season demonstrated how that relationship can work. Landon Sim, Ben King, Sam Stevens and Ken Appleby all spent time with Cincinnati before helping the Marlies win the Calder Cup.

That gives Toronto tangible examples of players moving from the ECHL to the AHL and contributing to a championship.

What To Know About The Cincinnati Cyclones In 2026-27

Head coach and director of hockey operations Riley Weselowski returns after Cincinnati improved by six wins last season.

The Cyclones also added an intriguing Maple Leafs draft pick in Joe Miller. Toronto selected the former Harvard captain in the sixth round of the 2020 NHL Draft, and Miller signed his first professional contract with Cincinnati this summer.

Cincinnati opens its 25th ECHL season Oct. 17 on the road against the Indy Fuel.

How The Toronto Maple Leafs' Affiliate System Fits Together

Cincinnati gives developing professionals an opportunity to earn playing time in the ECHL, while the Marlies provide the final minor-league step before the NHL.

After players moved from Cincinnati to Toronto's Calder Cup-winning roster last season, Maple Leafs fans don't have to look far for evidence of how that development path can work.

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