Miroslav Holinka is already proving to the Marlies that he is ready for the jump to pro hockey
Photo credit: Steven Ellis - Daily Faceoff
It didn't take long for Miroslav Holinka to get used to pro hockey, as he picked up an assist in his first ever AHL game, and proved he may be closer than we think.
When the Toronto Marlies signed Miroslav Holinka, it was seen as a move that could be seen as a fantastic bit of business as the team signed not only one of the best scorers in the entire WHL, but someone who genuinely can help them already in the playoffs.
The immediate transition of Miroslav Holinka and why he looks like a pro after one day
That move instantly paid off as Holinka got his first pro assist on Alex Nylander's goal after dishing the puck to Matthew Barbolini, who found Nylander for the Marlies' second goal of the game:
Holinka finished the game with the one assist, no shots and a plus-one while on the receiving end of a 4-1 victory over Syracuse. While he wasn't blowing away everyone, he managed to keep a level head, stayed out of the box, and continued his scoring ways.
After putting up 80 points in the regular season for the Edmonton Oil Kings, Holinka put up 11 points in 7 playoff games including seven goals; he's been on fire and it was clear the Marlies were ready to see what he can do.
While this does not mean that Holinka is going to get a shot at the NHL, the fact he can already come in and contribute in a professional setting is extremely hopeful.
This is a player who battled a language barrier, homesickness, and needed Toronto to help him find his footing with some extra coaching, but he ran with it in stride, took that constructive criticism and applied it — a great sign that his maturity may be more advanced than just your average rookie.
It's not easy to come in and play against some of the best names in minor hockey, especially when some of the guys are established NHL players but Holinka just proved he can at least hang with them pretty quickly.
How the presence of a natural goal scorer like Miroslav Holinka changes the Marlies power play
With Holinka in tow, the Marlies are going to have yet another offensive weapon to use in the playoffs.
If they can manage to get Holinka to start scoring consistently, it makes Toronto even more dangerous. Add in Logan Shaw, Alex Nylander, Borya Valis, Bo Groulx, Noah Chadwick and Vinni Lettieri and suddenly you have a group who can challenge for the Calder Cup.
With the team losing some big names like William Villeneuve and Luke Haymes to the Maple Leafs for the end of the season, they are going to need to not only have more bodies in the lineup, but need players who can step in and fill their shoes right away.
Part of the audition involves how fast they can adapt and so far, Holinka has passed with flying colours.
All signs are pointing to Holinka being a huge factor in the Marlies playoff push, and if he can prove that he's able to contribute when they need him most — the Maple Leafs are going to come knocking sooner than later.
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