Apr 9, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Troy Stecher (28) vies for the puck against New York Islanders center Calum Ritchie (64) during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Apr 9, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Troy Stecher (28) vies for the puck against New York Islanders center Calum Ritchie (64) during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
While the Toronto Maple Leafs struggled to make it to the playoffs, their AHL affiliates, the Toronto Marlies, had a season they were looking for. The Marlies defeated the Chicago Wolves on Friday to win the 2026 Calder Cup, making their first cup since 2018. Moreover, it's the second cup in franchise history.
In the best-of-seven game series, the Marlies only needed five games. In Game 5 on Friday, the Wolves had taken the early lead with two goals in the first period, but the Marlies bounced back in the second period with three goals to seize the win 4-2.
Apr 13, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Max Domi (11) celebrates at the bench after scoring a goal against the Dallas Stars during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Apr 13, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Max Domi (11) celebrates at the bench after scoring a goal against the Dallas Stars during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Marlies had started their Calder Cup campaign with a Game 1 win, 4-2, followed by two back-to-back wins. But in their must-needed Game 4, the Wolves bounced back and defeated the Marlies in a 4-3 OT win. Still, Toronto managed to secure the title and lift the cup after the Game 5 win.
Meanwhile, speaking of this season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, they even struggled to make the playoffs. Last season was considerably better for the team, as they played in the playoffs and defeated the Ottawa Senators in the first round before suffering a 4-3 series loss to the Florida Panthers in the second round.
The Leafs have 13 Stanley Cup titles to their name, but the last was in 1967. As they continued to struggle, Leafs fans took a troll on them after the Marlies won the Calder Cup.
How Leafs fans react to Marlies' win
NHL News shared a post about the Marlies' win at the 2026 Calder Cup on its X account, and fans in the comments section took a sharp dig at the Leafs.
"At least one Toronto team is winning," one fan wrote.
Yet another fan took a jab at the Leafs while pointing out their long struggle to win the Stanley Cup.
"The only time you’ll see Toronto and cup in the same sentence related to hockey," another fan added.
Fans did not stop there. One more added that "at least the Leafs won something."
"Hey a championship hockey team in Toronto, you can all cry and throw a parade now," added one more.
Although the 2025-26 season was not the way the Leafs wanted, they would be hoping to bounce back in the new season.
What do you think? Will the Leafs win the Stanley Cup in 2027? Let us know in the comments.
Written by
Ankita Yadav
Edited by
Ankita Yadav