Leafs prospect mutually terminates KHL contract to head to Toronto

After spending most of the season in the KHL playing for Sibir, Leafs prospect Dmitry Ovchinnikov has officially had his contract terminated and is set to join the Leafs' AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. Ovchinnikov was previously signed to a three year entry level contract, suiting up for 7 games for the Marlies last year, recording 2 goals.

The 6'0, 163 lb winger was selected in the 5th round (137th overall) in the 2020 NHL entry draft by the Leafs. The Russian winger could obviously use this time in Toronto to work on adding some size, while hopefully not losing the speed he possesses. Ovchinnikov has been playing bottom six minutes with men in the KHL at age 20. He'll now get an audition in North America full time.

Although not a top prospect in the organization, the Leafs are high enough on Ovchinnikov that they signed him to his entry level deal. Management are now eager to see how his game transitions to the smaller ice surface. It will be interesting to see the role he's cast in and minutes he gets with the Marlies moving forward.

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