TORONTO -- Sam Carrick's first job on Thursday was to say hello to his linemates.

Carrick was called up to the Toronto Maple Leafs before Thursday night's game against the San Jose Sharks and practised on a line with Joakin Lindstrom and Zach Sill.

"I actually haven't even met them until today," said Carrick after Toronto's morning skate. "It's going to be fun. I know Siller's a high-energy player and he's going to be fun to play with. Same thing with Lindstrom.

"Hopefully we can have a good game tonight and create some energy out there."

Carrick has played 10 games with the Maple Leafs this season with two penalty minutes and a minus-1 rating. The 23 year old from Markham, Ont., has spent most of his season with the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies, with seven goals, 18 assists and 76 penalty minutes over 50 games.

Maple Leafs head coach Peter Horachek has a locker-room filled with young players hoping to make a good impression as Toronto's season winds down.

Carrick, Sill, Andrew MacWilliam, Brandon Kozun and Trevor Smith have all benefited from the Maple Leafs shortage of forwards. Most recently, Nazem Kadri was suspended on Wednesday for four games and Peter Holland is out with a lower-body injury until Monday at the earliest.

"I think all the young guys are kind of in that boat," said Horachek. "They're on exhibit. They're showcasing themselves."

Carrick plans to make the most of his time with the NHL club, even as the Marlies make a push for the AHL playoffs.

"It's exciting. I feel fortunate to play in my hometown here for the Leafs," said Carrick. "The way things have gone this year obviously there's lots of opportunities, I'm just looking forward to it."