Leafs prospect absolutely buzzing: Miroslav Holinka red hot in summer action
Photo credit: Hokej.cz
Miroslav Holinka has done nothing but impress in his short time since being drafted and he continues to put on a show at the Friendly International tournament.
Drafted in the 5th round with the 151st overall selection, the Toronto Maple Leafs might have found themselves a diamond in the rough in Holinka. Not only did he put on a show during the Development Camp but he has continued to put pucks in the back of the net during the Friendly International tournament currently being held in Europe.
While with the Leafs at their development camp, Holinka scored 2 goals for "Team Blue" in the official scrimmage to conclude camp and he certainly caught the eye of the important decision makers in the front office, including assistant general manager, Hayley Wickenhesier, and former director of scouting Wes Clark, as Evan Doerfler of The Hockey News points out:
"Hayley Wickenheiser, the Maple Leafs' assistant general manager of player development, called Holinka a 'bright spot in camp' due to his 'nice hands' and added, 'You can really tell he's played professional men's hockey. Just his habits, his details of the game, some of the plays he makes.'
Former director of scouting Wes Clark stated post-draft that the Czechia forward had 'high intelligence. And he can zip the puck. Good shooter, real good shooter. Pretty good size. We really like his intelligence.'"
-Evan Doerfler in his recent article for The Hockey News
Former director of scouting Wes Clark stated post-draft that the Czechia forward had 'high intelligence. And he can zip the puck. Good shooter, real good shooter. Pretty good size. We really like his intelligence.'"
-Evan Doerfler in his recent article for The Hockey News
The Friendly International tournament is being held as a way to prepare the prospects for the gruelling journey ahead but it is also used for player evaluation, training sessions, and preparing for future tournaments during the upcoming season. Holinka has scored three times for Czechia so far, including the first goal of the tournament on Wednesday and followed that up with their lone tally in a 4-1 loss on Sunday.
The 18-year-old was also recently drafted by the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL in May as well as the Edmonton Oil Kings during their CHL Import Draft. Essentially, Holinka will have options to play in North America this year but it is uncertain at this time if he will exercise that right. If he remains in Czechia, he will be playing for HC Ocelari Trinec in either the men's league or the U20 squad. There is some buzz circulating that he could opt to play for the Oil Kings.
Last year he recorded 20 goals and 41 points in 29 games for the U20 team before being called up to the Czech Extraliga, where he scored 1 goal and 3 points in 16 contests. If he chooses to play in North America, he will get plenty of opportunities and ice-time while playing with players of the same age. Whereas in the Czech league, he will be playing against much stiffer competition considering it's a men's professional league but won't be afforded the same amount of ice-time - at least in 2024-25.
Whatever route he chooses, Holinka will have many eyes on him after a very strong start to his summer. At this current juncture, it seems like the Maple Leafs might have hit the jackpot with their 5th round selection.
Source for The Hockey News article:
Maple Leafs Prospect Miroslav Holinka Continues to Impress, Scores Yet Another Goal in Friendly International 2024
Maple Leafs Prospect Miroslav Holinka Continues to Impress, Scores Yet Another Goal in Friendly International 2024
Source for Miroslav Holinka's statistics:
Miroslav Holinka
Miroslav Holinka
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 22 | 296 ANSWERS Leafs prospect absolutely buzzing: Miroslav Holinka red hot in summer action What is Miroslav Holinka's ETA for the NHL? | ||
| 2025-26 | 103 | 34.8 % |
| 2026-27 | 148 | 50 % |
| 2027-28 | 45 | 15.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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