The Toronto Marlies defeated the Chicago Wolves 4-3 in Game 5 on Friday night to win the 2026 Calder Cup as AHL champions.
It’s the second title in Marlies history. The Toronto Maple Leafs’ affiliate also won in 2018.
Toronto Marlies are Calder Cup champions@BarDown pic.twitter.com/5XnO1SUfQ5
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) June 20, 2026
Toronto missed a chance to sweep Chicago on Thursday night as the Wolves took Game 4 in overtime. Chicago led 2-0 late in the first period of Game 5, but Toronto scored four consecutive goals and hung on to win.
Marlies goaltender Artur Akhtyamov was named playoff MVP after the victory. The 24-year-old was stellar in Toronto’s championship run, posting a .924 save percentage in 22 appearances entering Game 5. His performance caught the attention of Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka, who commended the young netminder’s play after trading NHLer Joseph Woll earlier this week.
Marlies forward and NHL journeyman Vinni Lettieri notched his 11th goal and 26th point of the playoffs in the victory. He led all players in both categories this postseason.
Toronto defenseman William Villeneuve (23) and forward Easton Cowan (18) ranked second and third, respectively, in the AHL’s playoff scoring race.
The Wolves are the AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes, who are fresh off winning the Stanley Cup.
Copyright © 2026 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Source: Sports Hockey – The Score
