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Soshnikov recalled as Leafs’ youth movement continues

Toronto Maple Leafs v Detroit Red Wings

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 13: Nikita Soshnikov #41 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena on March 13, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***

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Toronto continued to get younger on Tuesday, as Russian forward Nikita Soshnikov was recalled from the AHL Marlies.

Soshnikov, 23, joined the Leafs as an undrafted free agent last year and played 11 games at the NHL level, scoring two goals and five points.

His time in North America has largely been spent with the Marlies -- last year, he had 18 goals and 28 points in 52 games (plus seven more in 11 playoff contests). This year, he’s racked up three points in six games.

Not overly large -- listed at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds -- Soshnikov is high on skill and could be fun to watch alongside the likes of Toronto’s other young talents like Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Mitch Marner.

His roster spot with the Leafs opened up yesterday, when the club placed veteran d-man Matt Hunwick on IR.