Maple Leafs prospect Miroslav Holinka makes significant career decision
Photo credit: hcocelari.cz
Maple Leafs prospect Miroslav Holinka has made a very important career decision that will significantly alter his development.
Rather than continuing his career in Czechia, the 2024 5th round draft pick has signed a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with Edmonton Oil Kings, and will head to North America to continue his hockey career in the junior circuit.
Holinka, selected 151st overall in the 2024 NHL Draft by the Maple Leafs, has spent the past two seasons with Trinec Ocelari HC in the Czech league playing against men. Now, coming to North America to play against players his own age will certainly have an impact on his overall development. The question is, what kind of impact will it have?
The Edmonton Oil Kings took to Twitter/X on Wednesday to confirm the news via an official announcement.
As per @EdmOilKings on X:
''✍️ The ink is dry! ✍️
Oil Kings have signed Miroslav Holinka to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement, the club announced today. Holinka was selected 14th overall by the club in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. Welcome to the Oil Kings, Miroslav!''
The 6'1", 185-pound center recorded 3 points in 16 games for Trinec Ocelari HC in the Czech Republic's top league, as well as an impressive 20 goals and 21 assists in 29 games for Trinec Ocelari HC U20 during the 2023-24 season.
Oil Kings GM Kirt Hill commented on Holinka after the signing:
''Since the NHL Draft, Miroslav has continued to impress at Maple Leafs Development Camp, and the Summer World Junior Showcase in Europe. We look forward to him joining our club in early September and adding his offensive abilities and instincts to our forward group.''
Last week, Holinka stood out as the team's second-leading scorer in a tournament in Finland, notching 3 goals and 1 assist for a total of 4 points in three games while representing Czechia's U20 squad.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
POLL |
AOUT 1 | 1047 ANSWERS Maple Leafs prospect Miroslav Holinka makes significant career decision Will Miroslav Holinka be an everyday regular in the NHL at some point in his career? |
Yes | 676 | 64.6 % |
No | 371 | 35.4 % |
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