Miroslav Holinka is joining the Leafs organization and his goal a game playoff run tells you everything
Photo credit: Steven Ellis - Daily Faceoff
Miroslav Holinka is joining the Toronto Marlies after a stellar season with the Edmonton Oil Kings and he's the perfect addition for their playoff run.
Coming off a very impressive season in the WHL, the 20-year-old is poised to take his talents to the Marlies and help them en route to the Calder Cup. Not only did Holinka put up 80 points in 59 games this season, but also added 11 points in 7 playoff games.
That's pretty solid for a guy who was drafted in the 5th round, 151st overall and on top of his 80 points he was a very solid defender with a plus-28. He never sacrificed defence for offence and was a key reason why Edmonton made it to the playoffs.
The Oil Kings also gave their thanks to Holinka on social media:
Holinka's blistering playoff run earns him a coveted AHL call-up
Not to mention he was outscoring the likes of Tij Iginla, Vojtech Cihar, and Braeden Cootes — three very highly touted prospects.
His 7th of the postseason was an OT winner that helped keep Edmonton alive:
You can also see where his defensive game comes into play, as he manages to poke the puck past a defender, slide into the zone and patiently wait until firing a wrister:
There's also a very good reason why the Marlies were bringing him aboard, as the roster needs as much insurance as possible heading into the postseason and to help cover for the bodies the Maple Leafs are taking for the last few games of the year.
No word yet on where Holinka will slot in when it comes to the lineup nor do we know when he is going to make his AHL debut, though if he's riding a hot streak right now it's best to see what he can do; the Marlies are already in the playoffs.
What Holinka's call-up means for the Maple Leafs' future pipeline
For the Marlies, they are adding one of the best playoff performers in the WHL this season and someone who genuinely will improve their chances at advancing in the Calder Cup playoffs.
But the Maple Leafs have to be feeling even more excited than the Marlies. Holinka being such a dominant two-way force could see him in the lineup sooner than later and a strong professional debut and full season next year could mean we see him as a call-up in 2027-28.
Who knows, with the new contingent coming in he could even get a chance sooner than that, and with the team trying to shift towards a more data-driven, analytical, and hopefully; younger lineup, that means he should get a strong look.
All of a sudden the Marlies look pretty solid especially with the added NCAA signings, and as we've seen with Luke Haymes, there are call-ups to be had when your time comes.
Toronto adds yet another strong prospect to their field of growing youngsters, but with Holinka being as dominant and special as he has been...he could be the best of them all.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
A Maple Leafs prospect is choosing Michigan over Toronto and the decision says a lot
A Maple Leafs prospect is choosing Michigan over Toronto and the decision says a lot
Previously on Hockey Patrol
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AVRIL 11|688 ANSWERS Miroslav Holinka is joining the Leafs organization and his goal a game playoff run tells you everything Should the Maple Leafs give Miroslav Holinka a chance in 2026-27? | ||
| Yes | 595 | 86.5 % |
| No | 93 | 13.5 % |
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