The Maple Leafs next roster could include three new players nobody saw coming and they're proving it right now

On Friday night the Toronto Marlies were in action for Game Two against the Laval Rocket, and while continuing the century-old rivalry between Montreal and Toronto, there was also some fireworks at the AHL level.

Despite a lot of attempts from the Rocket to agitate the Marlies, they were able to dominate and come away with a 6-2 victory after a stellar performance that included four power-play goals as part of six unanswered to come away with the win.

It was Easton Cowan leading the way with three points (1 goal, 2 assists) meanwhile Logan Shaw continued his torrid pace with a goal and an assist, but it wasn't just then who were part of the festivities — and could prove they are ready for the big time.

There were a trio of players who were big parts of that win and also a huge reason why the Marlies have made it this far — William Villeneuve, Luke Haymes, and Vinni Lettieri, and if the Maple Leafs were proactive, they'd be eyeing these players for next season.

Villeneuve had three points against Laval and showed every bit of that offensive prowess we've hoped to see for years. He was snapping off crisp passes, playing smart defensive hockey and running the power-play to huge success.

He had a short stint earlier this year as he finally got his chance in the NHL, but it was barely a cup of coffee. If he continues to lead the Marlies offensively, he'll no doubt get a chance with Toronto because he's exactly what they need — a real puck mover.

Villeneuve is also a right-handed shot; so that adds a great level of versatility, and at only 24 he has a ton of room to grow.

Up front though, it's a young gun and a veteran who are leading the charge. Vinni Lettieri has been a man possessed recently and leads the team with seven points in five games. He's their anchor on the power-play and his blistering slap-shot is torching the opposition:

While Lettieri has 155 games of NHL experience under his belt, he hasn't really been given a true chance to show what he can do. He would be a great fourth-line option who can score, defend, and has a very physical and aggressive edge; always a plus.

He also had 42 points in 55 games for the Marlies this year, and at 31 he's still at the age where he can contribute; though he may be more viewed as a call-up. Though they will need to re-sign him if they want him involved as he is a free agent come this summer.

Now we switch gears to Haymes, who was signed out of the NCAA and is someone who hasn't blown people away on the scoreboard but it's everything else he's doing that's a positive. He's annoying to play against, is going to get in your face, and isn't afraid to drop the gloves.

Combine that with a very good shot and playmaking ability, plus above average defensive skills and you have a Swiss Army knife on your hands. He would be a great replacement for Calle Jarnkrok on the fourth line, and if the team is still hesitant about Jacob Quillan — Haymes is a great comparison.

With the Maple Leafs hopefully headed towards a younger direction, Haymes is someone who could be a bottom-six staple who does a little bit of everything for a long time.

Right now, Villeneuve is the most likely to get a spot on the Maple Leafs next year given his offensive ability on the blueline and by virtue of Toronto needing to prioritize that over forward depth.

But don't sleep on Lettieri or Haymes because they could be a huge factor in the lineup come 2026-27. That is, if Toronto wants to give them that chance.

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