The Toronto Maple Leafs have assigned defenceman Stuart Percy to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League.

Percy, 21, has been an early-season standout in his rookie season with the Leafs and has three assists in seven games played.

He has averaged 18:09 in ice-time so far this season, dressing for all the team's games save its Oct. 18 contest against the Detroit Red Wings.

Earlier this month the Oakville, Ont.-native was seeing playing time with the Leafs while the more-established Jake Gardiner was relegated to the press box.

Percy has remained in the line-up for the past two games as the team has opted to dress seven defencemen and only 11 forwards.

Originally selected 25th overall by the Leafs in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Percy appeared in 71 games with the Marlies in 2013-14, his first full season in the AHL. He scored four goals and 21 assists.