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“Low maintenance is a good way to describe the Swedes,” Marlie coach Sheldon Keefe said of the investment the parent Leafs have made. “They all come over with a very good skill set. Obviously, they do a terrific job developing players there, but they also come with a good knowledge of the game and strong defensive foundations. They have great personalities, too.”

Johnsson ended up with the Leafs, Grundstrom reported to the farm after his SHL team wrapped, the same for Engvall, a 6-foot-4 left winger who complements fellow giants Frederik Gauthier and Colin Greening. Dmytro Timashov (Ukrainian-born, SHL-trained) has been huge on the left side with Chris Mueller and captain Ben Smith.

The youngest is 2017 No. 1 draft pick Timothy Liljegren, a mobile defenceman, joining the currently injured Andreas Borgman and Calle Rosen.

“We have to tell them to speak English now and then if there’s too much Swedish in the room,” joked Smith. “But it’s good camaraderie to have countrymen to hang with. At the same time, they’ve all worked hard and definitely earned the trust.”

The Swedes often congregate for dinner, movies or shopping – and a little sightseeing around Toronto,. They tried to get Engvall up the CN Tower, knowing he’s leery of heights. But he’s not afraid of the opposition at ice level.

“They try and get on you, but it’s the same playing in Sweden,” Engvall said.

The Finnish Aaltonen shapes up as the next to get a break with the Leafs as fourth line centre, while Johnsson and Grundstrom show no hesitation to get involved physically.