ECHL: Cincinnati Cyclones Enter Affiliation with Toronto Maple Leafs

The Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL) have entered into a new affiliation agreement with the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), a highly esteemed team in the National Hockey League (NHL). This collaboration comes after the Cyclones’ previous affiliation with the New York Rangers, and the Maple Leafs’ former affiliation with the ECHL’s Newfoundland Growlers, who ceased operations at the end of last season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs boast a remarkable history as 13-time Stanley Cup Champions and have been a prominent NHL franchise since their inception as one of the Original Six teams in 1917. Despite their recent playoff record, which includes eight consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they have not advanced deep into the postseason in recent years. As part of this new partnership, Cyclones fans can anticipate witnessing the development of new players drafted by the Maple Leafs in the upcoming seasons, as well as the potential movement of Cyclones’ core players to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL), in hopes they are able to excel and live out their dreams in the NHL.

This affiliation holds special meaning for Jason Payne, the Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations for the Cincinnati Cyclones, who is a native of Toronto. Payne expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, underscoring the significance of the affiliation between the proud franchise of the Cincinnati Cyclones and the historic Toronto Maple Leafs. Given the Maple Leafs’ commitment to player development, Cyclones fans can look forward to an exciting and promising new partnership.

Toronto Maples Leafs 2024 Draft Picks:

First Round:

Ben Danford, D, Oshawa Generals
Age: 18
Hand: Right
Height: Six-foot-one
Weight: 194 pounds
Hometown: Madoc, Ont.
2023-24 stats: 1 goal, 32 assists in 64 games

Fourth Round:

Victor Johansson, D, Leksands IF (SHL)
Age: 18
Hand: Left
Height: Six-foot-one
Weight: 159 pounds
Hometown: Linkoping, Sweden
2023-24 stats: 2 goals, 6 assists in 34 games

Fifth Round:

Miroslav Holinka, C, Trinec Ocelari (Czechia)
Age: 18
Hand: Right
Height: Six-foot-one
Weight: 187 pounds
Hometown: Kromeriz, Czechia
2023-24 stats: 20 goals, 21 assists in 29 games (U20 team)

Alexander Plesovskikh, F, Mamonty Yugry (MHL)
Age: 17
Hand: Right
Height: Six-foot-two
Weight: 174 pounds
Hometown: Tyumen, Russia
2023-24 stats: 8 goals, 9 assists in 33 games

Timofei Obvintsev, G, CSKA (MHL)
Age: 19
Hand: Right
Height: Six-foot-three
Weight: 179 pounds
Hometown: Yekaterinburg, Russia
2023-24 stats: 2.96 GAA, .921 Save % in 16 games

Seventh Round

Matt Lahey, D, Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL)
Age: 17
Hand: Left
Height: Six-foot-five
Weight: 203 pounds
Hometown: Victoria, B.C.
2023-24 stats: 2 goals, 17 points in 54 games

Sam McCue, F, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
Age: 18
Hand: Left
Height: Six-foot-two
Weight: 187 pounds
Hometown: Sudbury, Ont.
2023-24 stats: 12 goals, 9 assists in 34 games

Nathan Mayes, D, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Age: 18
Hand: Left
Height: Six-foot-three
Weight: 170 pounds
Hometown: Salmon Arm, B.C.
2023-24 stats: 1 goal, 15 assists in 68 games