Maple Leafs Prospect Earns High-Profile Opportunity After Being Cut From Roster

Holinka was originally selected in the fifth round (151st overall) in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by the Maple Leafs. The Czech prospect didn't make it very deep into camp with the main club, like most late round picks. Despite this, the young forward has an excellent opportunity ahead.

Holinka will be spending this upcoming season playing in the WHL instead of remaining in Czechia. Even better, he is starting the season as the team's first line center.

There's a lot to like about Holinka. He's still 18, possessing good size and strength, standing at 6'1 and weighing 185 pounds. Not only will that allow him to drive opponents nuts at the junior level, but it's also helped him develop a solid defensive game for his age. That will only improve as he gets older. Holinka is ba balanced players possessing skills as both a playmaker and a goal scorer.

Now that Holinka is playing in the best junior league in the world, we can see just how well he does against the top competition, comprised of his peers within his age range. The well-rounded forward is off to great start on the top line, putting up a goal and an assist in his first game.

The Leafs may have a real nice middle six forward coming in the not too distant future.