Maple Leafs Make Another Notable Prospect Move Ahead of Season 2025-26
Photo credit: Steven Eliis - Daily Faceoff
The Toronto Maple Leafs have thinned their roster a bit more by assigning prospect Miroslav Holinka back to his WHL team, the Edmonton Oil Kings.
As we approach the regular season, that means teams are getting their rosters in order and giving their prospects back to their junior teams as a way to make sure they not only get more reps, but are prepared for a potential future with the club.
Who Is Miroslav Holinka and Why the Maple Leafs Made This Move
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been busy, assigning several players back to their junior clubs, and have continued that trend on Sunday by assigning forward prospect Miroslav Holinka back to the WHL.
Holinka, 19, spent last season with the Oil Kings and registered 45 points in 47 games (19 goals, 26 assists) and was drafted 151st overall in 2024.
A product of Trinec Ocelari of the Czech League, he spent two seasons with the team overseas registering 3 points in 18 games (1 goal, 2 assists).
There was really not a good shot of him playing for either the Marlies or Maple Leafs this season and the team wants to see how he can develop with another season in the WHL.
How This Assignment Fits Into Toronto's Prospect Development Plan
It seems to follow the pattern of keeping their prospects in the junior ranks for the time being as not only is the team already set for the now, but seemingly the next couple of years.
Guys like Easton Cowan and Ben Danford are the likeliest guys from junior to make their way to the team, and the Marlies lineup has more than enough bodies to give the prospects enough time to get their footing.
Especially in the case of Holinka, who only has one season in North America under his belt, and while he's translated it well so far; there's nothing wrong with more experience.
He's projected to be a solid bottom-six forward with a dependable and reliable two-way game. He doesn't make a lot obviously mistakes, and while he doesn't excel in one area, his skillset is much more well-rounded.
Holinka will no doubt get a chance to impress with Edmonton yet again this year, and if he can build off his season last year then it might not be long before he's part of the Marlies, and eventually the Maple Leafs.
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