The Toronto Marlies are beginning the process of filling out their roster beyond players signed to NHL contracts, and they have signed three players, including a familiar face up front.
The Marlies signed forward Marc Johnstone to a two-year Marlies contract, marking his return to the organization after spending the last two seasons within the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. Johnstone signed his first NHL entry-level contract shortly after Kyle Dubas departed the Leafs organization and became President and General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2023.
Johnstone played one NHL game, making his debut in the show on Dec. 8, 2023, against the Florida Panthers. With Toronto, Johnstone is reunited with Marlies GM Ryan Hardy, who helped nurture the player’s talent. The 29-year-old will be counted on to provide leadership in a room that will be chock-full of younger talent.
How Former Marlies Forward Marc Johnstone Overcame Getting Cut in The ECHL to Earning an NHL ContractThe 27-year-old signed his first-ever NHL contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier this month.
The Marlies also signed veteran goaltender Ken Appleby to a one-year deal. Like Johnstone, the last time Appleby played in the NHL was during the 2023-24 season, when he was with the New York Islanders. The 6-foot-4 goaltender spent last season with the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL, where he posted a .910 save percentage and a 1.96 goals-against average in 24 games. His six shutouts were second in the AHL last season, which is impressive given how few starts he made. With goaltender Matt Murray departing the Leafs and signing a one-year deal with the Seattle Kraken, Appleby could be another netminding presence and provide support for prospect goaltenders Dennis Hildeby, Artur Akhtymov, and Vyacheslav Peksa.
The Marlies also signed Reese Johnson to a one-year deal. The Maple Leafs acquired the forward from the Minnesota Wild at the trade deadline last season in exchange for future considerations. Johnson played in six games with the Marlies following the trade, putting up one assist. The physical forward played in two playoff games with Toronto and accumulated four penalty minutes.