If there\u2019s no longer an emergency, one or both of the Leafs callups must rejoin the AHL’s Marlies.<\/p>\n
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Published Apr 07, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 5\u00a0hours ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 2 minute read<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n You can save this article by registering for free here<\/a>. Or sign-in<\/a> if you have an account.<\/p>\n There could be a traffic jam of\u00a0rookie\u00a0laps around Scotiabank\u00a0Arena\u00a0the next few\u00a0pre-game warm-ups as some NHL newcomers arrive.<\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authors<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n With the Maple Leafs at present are defenceman William Villeneuve and forward Luke Haymes as Toronto begins three games in four nights, while the Washington Capitals, who face the Leafs on Wednesday, have called up 6-foot-6 Ilya Protas.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n A 19-year-old, 225-pound centre, Protas will be hard to miss. A third-round pick two years ago, he was a first-year force for the AHL Hershey Bears with 62 points. Yet they call him Little Pro, because older brother Aliaksei<\/a>, same height and 25 pounds heavier, is on the Caps already, and is a player the Leafs already have had trouble controlling.<\/p>\n The Leafs are considering emergency call-ups of Villeneuve and Haymes, both of whom were at practice on Tuesday. Villeneuve was summoned on an emergency basis after Oliver Ekman-Larsson suffered a lower-body injury and missed Toront\u2019s 7-6 overtime loss to the Kings in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n But as he has done all-season, OEL didn\u2019t sit for long and practiced full out in a strenuous team skate Tuesday that followed two days off. Haymes was called up Tuesday, and though coach Craig Berube indicated he would like a look at the pair if possible, if there\u2019s no longer an emergency, one or both must rejoin the AHL\u2019s Marlies.<\/p>\n Your Midday Sun<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Advertisement 3<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Berube hinted that some regulars are questionable for the game Wednesday, with issues he would not discuss.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s nice to have them up here,\u00a0get acclimated and if we need them, we\u2019ll get them (in),\u201d\u00a0Berube said. \u201cThere\u2019s value in getting young guys a game or two, a taste of the NHL.\u201d<\/p>\n Villeneuve has waited the longest, playing between 50 and 60 games for the Marlies in four seasons since he was a fourth-round pick in 2020. The Sherbrooke, Que., native has since grown into his 6-foot-2 frame as a stay-at-home blueliner.<\/p>\n \u201cI look at myself since I got here in this organization, I\u2019m not very big and still have to\u00a0work on\u00a0things\u00a0physically and defensively, but I\u2019ve grown a lot (mentally) in four years and feel confident in my game,\u201d he said. \u201cEvery player has a different path and timeline (especially\u00a0defencemen).<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re extremely fortunate to be around some depth staff here. I played with Kyle Clifford (the Stanley Cup winner with L.A. is now a farm coach) and Jake Muzzin is here day-to-day. I\u2019ve played with NHL veteran Logan Shaw, too, They all say: \u2018You think it\u2019s hard getting to the NHL. But it\u2019s harder to stay.\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n Advertisement 4<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n The Ottawa-born Haymes, a free agent from Dartmouth College,\u00a0brought his NCAA\u00a0success\u00a0to the Marlies\u00a0at the end of the 2024-25 season and produced 32 points in 63\u00a0AHL\u00a0games.<\/p>\n \u201cMy shot has improved a\u00a0lot\u00a0and\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0learning to find open spots,\u00a0new\u00a0ways to create offence.\u00a0I try to be a sponge here,\u00a0pick\u00a0the brain of the guy beside me.<\/p>\n \u201cMy first day in the NHL\u00a0\u2026\u00a0my family was pumped (even\u00a0for)\u00a0a\u00a0practice.\u201d<\/p>\n Lhornby@postmedia.com<\/p>\n X:\u00a0@sunhornby<\/p>\n Read More<\/p>\n Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin’s goal power has lit up Maple Leafs over his career<\/p>\n![\"Toronto](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/55185239767_ce6fffc96e_k-e1775608059643.jpg\")
Toronto Marlies defenceman William Villeneuve. Photo by Barry McCluskey \/Toronto MarliesArticle content<\/p>\n![\"Toronto](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/20.9.1\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-tsun.svg\"){kind=logo}
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Toronto Marlies forward Luke Haymes (left) is shadowed by Kai Schwindt of the Charlotte Checkers in an AHL game in April 2026. Photo by Barry McCluskey \/Toronto Marlies<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775629776_130_Alexander-Ovechkin-2005-April-7.jpg\")
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