» Haymes, Prokop join Marlies, wade into Leafs prospects pool

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Luke Haymes and John Prokop didn’t require much of an introduction to each other at Toronto Marlies practice on Wednesday.

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Eleven days earlier, Haymes and Dartmouth College beat Prokop and Union College in the NCAA’s ECAC hockey tournament, ending Union’s season.

In the ensuing days — Dartmouth was eliminated on March 21 by Clarkson — both free agents signed with the Maple Leafs.

At the Ford Performance Centre, it didn’t take the pair long to break the ice. In fact, they were texting each other before they actually met on Wednesday.

“When I saw that he signed, a big smile went over my face, not (because) they beat us in the playoffs, but I had a guy to go through the same things I was going to go through,” Prokop said.

Haymes had a similar line of thinking.

“Both ECAC guys, it’s a smart league, so we can piggyback off each other,” Haymes said. “I’m excited to be going through it with him.”

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The storybook ending to the signings would be that one day, the pair helps lead the Leafs, to well, you know, something that hasn’t happened since 1967.

Of course, if the Leafs could get an everyday player out of their latest group of NCAA signings, including Haymes, Prokop and Jacob Quillan, it would be welcomed considering the dearth of top draft picks in the next few years. The Leafs don’t have a first-round choice until 2028.

First things first, though, and it’s about Haymes, a centre, and Prokop, a defenceman, getting accustomed to life in the American Hockey League with the Marlies. Haymes signed a two-year contract starting next season and Prokop put his signature on a one-year pact, also to start in 2025-26. They’re each with the Marlies on an amateur tryout.

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Coach John Gruden indicated that each will make his AHL debut at some point this weekend. The Marlies have road games in Laval on Friday and Belleville on Saturday before playing host to Bridgeport on Sunday at the Coca-Cola Coliseum.

A native of Ottawa, Haymes had drawn the interest of several National Hockey League teams before settling on the Leafs. He attended Toronto’s development camp in 2023, but there was more to his interest in the Leafs than just his familiarity with the organization.

“The success they’ve had in developing players,” Haymes said. “I’m happy to be plugged in here, and happy to pick everyone’s brain and learn as much as I can.

“I’m just focusing on the day to day, developing and sticking to my habits. There’s a long way to go, but I’m ready for the journey, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

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Haymes said he was a big fan of Detroit Red Wings centre Pavel Datsyuk, and mentioned Leafs centre John Tavares and the Winnipeg Jets’ Mark Scheifele as 200-foot players he would like to emulate.

Prokop provided a scouting report on Haymes.

“I thought he was one of the best players in our conference,” Prokop said. “He wins draws, he’s physical, he can score, he can defend. He’s really hard to play against. It’s nice to play on the same team as him and I think Toronto will appreciate (what Haymes brings).”

And what areas of concentration will Prokop, a Wisconsin native, have as he tries to make the next step in his hockey career?

“I have to be stronger in the D zone,” Prokop said. “Boxing guys out and not letting the puck in the back of the net, that’ll get you trust with the coaches, and that’s the way you play more minutes.”

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REAVES CHECKS IN

Ryan Reaves has joined the Marlies for practice, nearly three weeks after he cleared waivers and was sent down by the Leafs.

Reaves, who was not made available to media on Wednesday, spent the time working with the club’s development staff.

“We’ve had him for two days and it was been great because he brings a certain professionalism and energy, and it helps with those younger guys,” Gruden said. “He has been really good.”

When, or will, Reaves eventually get into a game with the Marlies?

“That’s to be determined,” Gruden said. “He’s going to work with the development staff. He’s going to continue to make sure that he’s ready to play regardless.”

A veteran of 912 NHL games, Reaves has not played a game in the minors since 2012-13, when he skated in 13 games with Orlando of the ECHL during the NHL lockout.

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It sounds like Reaves has the proper attitude in the wake of the demotion. His most recent game with the Leafs was on March 2.

“He’s a guy you want on your team, in the locker room,” Quillan said. “It’s fun to play with him. He has been around the game a long time so whatever he says you listen and try to pick up some things.”

One question remains: In what circumstance would Reaves, under contract through next season, play again for the Leafs? He has two assists in 35 games this season and rarely has had an impact on the outcome of a game.

The Leafs, meanwhile, did not practise on Wednesday. They flew to San Jose, where a game against the Sharks on Thursday will start a three-game trip.

The Leafs will make stops in Los Angeles on Saturday to face the Kings and Anaheim on Sunday to play the Ducks before returning home on Monday.

tkoshan@postmedia.com

X: @koshtorontosun

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