The Toronto Marlies have added some much-needed depth in key areas with the signings of Tony Cameranesi and William Corrin to AHL contracts.
Both players were signed to ATO’s back in March and played a small part toward the back end of the regular season.
William Corrin is a left-shot defenseman who — like Cameranesi — spent his college hockey career representing the University of Minnesota-Duluth. A Minnesota native, Corrin made four appearances for the Marlies, coming up against none other than Jonathan Drouin on debut.
After a mere eight shifts in his opening game, Corrin did enough to earn himself a further three opportunities and certainly didn’t look out of place. He was rarely partnered with a proven professional player and was the seventh defenseman on one occasion, but there was enough promise in his performances to warrant an AHL deal.
Perhaps concentrating more on the defensive side of his game, Corrin didn’t appear to have much confidence in the offensive zone (didn’t record a shot), but he was able to pick up two assists, of which one was a primary helper at even strength.
Turning 25 before next season gets underway, Corrin will be one of the older prospects on the team. This is a depth signing, with the Marlies sorely lacking numbers on the blue line as it stands.
The name Tony Cameranesi should be a familiar one as he was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fifth round in 2011. Cameranesi wasn’t signed to an entry-level deal after college; having not yet shown enough to warrant an entry-level contract in the eyes of Leafs management, this keeps Cameranesi in the organization without using up one of 50 Standard Player Contract slots.
A smaller centerman, listed anywhere between 5’9” – 5’11” depending on where you look, Cameranesi put up 41 goals and 124 points in an NCAA career spanning 152 games.
Out of all the college players signed last season to Amateur Tryouts, the former fifth round selection really took the eye for the Marlies and quickly became a fan favourite in six games. He’s fleet of foot and that ability, combined with some tenacity and desire, led to him scoring two goals through April.
The 22-year-old certainly wasn’t fazed when chances presented themselves in the offensive zone and provided some real energy and spark to the team from a mostly bottom six role. In the mould of a Sam Carrick, he’s tenacious and showed a willingness to do whatever it takes for the team.
Toronto have wingers galore but lack options at centre, so it’s likely that Cameranesi will have a real shot of making the opening night roster provided he has a good enough camp.
