Maple Leafs Sign Promising 6-Foot-2 Prospect Ahead of Training Camp
Photo credit: WHL Images
The Toronto Maple officially signed prospect Miroslav Holinka to a three-year entry level contract on Tuesday per the team's social media page.
Per the Maple Leafs' official team page on X, the team announced the signing of 2024 5th-round draft pick Miroslav Holinka to a three-year entry level deal on Tuesday, setting the stage for a possible transition to Toronto.
The 151st pick in 2024, Holinka spent two seasons playing with Triec Ocelari in the Czech League before playing one season in the WHL; he had 45 points in 47 games for the Oil Kings.
Who is Miroslav Holinka?
Holinka, 19, is a 6'2 center who has a lot of upside and has quickly progressed in his skills since playing overseas. Hailing from Kromariz, Czech Republic, Holinka never got his footing in the Czech league, but exploded over in North America.
To be fair to Holinka, he would be playing up against much bigger and older competition, especially since the league employs several former NHL talents.
It seems the Maple Leafs signed him potentially to see what he offers over Ty Voit, a forward they waived earlier on Tuesday in order to terminate his contract.
There's no concrete number for what Holinka's contract is going to be worth, but he can earn a maximum of $1-million after bonuses though it's unlikely he receives the full amount.
Holinka's future bright, but uncertain
There's a potential for Holinka to make a difference for the Marlies and eventually the Maple Leafs, if everything falls into place.
According to Dobber Prospects' Austin Kelly, Holinka has the chance to hit the top-six if his progress keeps improving:
A breakout player for the Czechs at the World Juniors, Holinka has always been a slippery and creative offensive player, something that may have been unrecognized given Holinka's lower upside.
He's adjusted well to NA ice playing in the WHL. He's a strong play maker whose defensive game has grown since moving over from Czechia. The potential is there to be a middle-six Center for the Leafs.
He's adjusted well to NA ice playing in the WHL. He's a strong play maker whose defensive game has grown since moving over from Czechia. The potential is there to be a middle-six Center for the Leafs.
Not just a great passer, Holinka has a heavy and quick shot that he can use from any spot on the ice and gives goalies headaches; often using his shot to create rebound chances.
His defense isn't spectacular by any means, but he's a smart player who has good positioning, hockey IQ and is great with the stick when he needs to be, always active at both ends of the ice.
All things point to Holinka being able to make a name for himself with the Marlies in due time, and could earn himself a call-up at some point if he explodes out of nowhere.
He'll definitely fight for a spot on the roster in the coming years and the future certainly looks bright for Holinka, who just took the first step to playing in the NHL.
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