Leafs prospect scores one of the sickest goals you'll see all year during development camp
The road to North America wasn't a quick one for Finnish prospect Roni Hirvonen, but perhaps his development will have followed a more natural curve with things playing out the way they did. After being drafted 59th overall in 2020, Hirvonen played 3 more seasons in SM-Liiga back home in Finland, seeing slow and gradual improvements to his game over time. Now in Toronto for summer development camp, Hirvonen is showing a lot of promise and turning some heads in the Leafs organization.
Hirvonen captained team Finland at the most recent 2022 World Junior Championship tournament, scoring a point per game, finishing the tournament with 3 goals and 7 points in 7 games. He then went on to post 15 goals and 28 points in 57 games for HIFK Helsinki last season. His numbers from last season don't jump off the page, but with the skill he possesses, it's only a matter of time before he breaks out. As of right now, it looks as though that could happen in Toronto.
Hirvonen spoke with the media this week and revealed that he feels destined to play in Toronto next season, which will likely be with the Marlies. He also had a chance to showcase his slick hands and excellent vision with one of the nastiest goals of Leafs summer camp while running drills on Thursday.
If Hirvonen has hands like this, his size probably won't hinder him too much. At 5'9 and nearly 180 lbs, Hirvonen has some thickness to him for a smaller player. His vision and his hockey IQ should help him to adjust to the smaller ice surface as well. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do at the NHL level, but first, he'll have to test his metal in the AHL and prove that he can not only hang, but excel there.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 7 | 21 ANSWERS Leafs prospect scores one of the sickest goals you'll see all year during development camp Will Hirvonen get a look in the NHL at some point this season with the Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 13 | 61.9 % |
| No | 8 | 38.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
