The Toronto Marlies sign Miami University forward Matthew Barbolini

Over the weekend the Toronto Marlies added another player to the organization. Forward Matthew Barbolini inked a two-year AHL contract that will begin at the start of next season. He has signed a PTO with the Marlies for the rest of this season.

Barbolini just put the finishing touches on his NCAA career having spent four years with Miami University of Ohio. In his final three seasons as a RedHawk, he put up very consistent numbers; 22, 25, and 25 points. He scored 10, 10, and 11 goals, and finished as a Hobey Baker Nominee.

Barbolini grew up just outside of Buffalo, NY, and played his junior hockey in the NAHL (North American Hockey League). He spent his first season playing with the Janesville Jets, and his final two years playing with the Lincoln Stars. During his time with Lincoln, he was teammates with Josiah Slavin. Slavin has had a strong year with the Marlies. He’s been very reliable in a bottom-six role, logging key defensive zone minutes. For most of the year, he has been the anchor of the fourth line, and his steady play has been noticeable. Barbolini and Slavin also had Shane Pinto on their Lincoln Stars team.

Barbolini is listed at 6’2, 205 lbs. He brings solid size and was heavily relied on at Miami Univeristy in pretty much every scenario. Barbolini was routinely near the top in ice time for players playing in the NCHC (National Collegiate Hockey Conference). He was the clear leader for the RedHawks this past season and caught scouts’ eyes even before his senior season started.

Barbolini attended the Vancouver Canucks development camp last summer and faired really well. The Canucks had 40 players at the camp including 11 invites. When asked which camp invite stood out the most, Chris Higgins, (Assistant Director of Player Development) who ran the entire development camp said it was Barbolini. Higgins added; “Lightness on his feet for his size. Great kid. Our college scouts identified him pretty early.”

Let’s not forget that Bobby McMann recently signed his first one-way contract with the Maple Leafs having spent years going through Toronto’s developmental system. Perhaps Barbolini can mimic McMann’s minor league success.