Veteran Brad Boyes says his three seasons spent in the AHL taught him how to play the game.
Shawn Thornton played in 605 AHL games before securing full time NHL employment and eventually two Stanley Cups.
So for Josh Leivo, who has played two seasons with the Toronto Marlies and will likely spend another with the Leafs' farm club, it's a learning process and a natural rite of passage.
"It's a great league, obviously you see a lot of NHL players come out of this league," said Leivo. "I realize it takes time, I truly understand that, so I've got to keep my head up, stay positive, and work my way up to that next level.