ONTARIO, Calif. – Kasimir Kaskisuo and Rasmus Sandin were initially set to be the only two representing the Toronto Marlies at the 2020 AHL All-Star Classic. But, in a quick turn of events, Jeremy Bracco and Timothy Liljegren will also head to sunny California. With the AHL All-Star Classic tonight, here’s what you need to know about this year Marlies.
Kaskiuo has dominated the AHL throughout the 2019-20 campaign. He is posting a fresh 11-6-2 record this season and rocks a 0.911 SVS%. Earning the trust of the Marlies, the  Finland native has been noted as one of the more reliable goalies throughout the AHL, backstopping his team to victory through an ever-changing lineup. This year has been deemed as a breakout year for the 26-year-old after slumping briefly last year and publishing a save percentage under 0.900. Sheldon Keefe‘s decision to keep the goalie in training camp gave Kaskisuo a second chance, and he has redeemed himself while earning a spot on the All-Star roster.
Meanwhile, Sandin will also wear the blue and white during the All-Star Classic. He has been noted as the Maple Leafs top defensive prospect and has been recently motivated by earning the top defenceman award at the World Junior Championship in January and a Silver Medal for his Swedish team. Running on the top pair throughout the AHL season, Sandin recently got the opportunity to spend time with the big club and prove why he should be on the All-Star team.
Additionally, Toronto’s second-biggest prospect, Timothy Liljegren, has also secured his spot on the AHL’s All-Star roster. Liljergen is also noted as an AHL top-pairing defencemen, who has recorded 26 points this year for the Marlies. With his sharp ability to transition from defence to offence, Timothy has been able to make himself known as a player who can make a play and get points towards the goal. Recently playing alongside Jake Muzzin, the small mentorship could be something in his favour continuing in the season and why he might be able to bring that extra edge to the All-Star Classic. Liljegren recently made his NHL debut and has been boosted with a new level of confidence going into the All-Star break.
Finally, making his second AHL All-Star appearance, Bracco has found his way onto the squad in 2020. With over 140 assists through the AHL in his career and 33 helpers on the season, he has been able to find himself on the scoresheet nearly every game. Ready to find teammates in the perfect position, it comes to no surprise that Bracco has made the AHL All-Star roster, and why he’s been on the top lines through the 2019-20 campaign.
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