The Maple Leafs have landed a highly-coveted prospect, per top player agent
Popular player agent Allan Walsh confirms that the Maple Leafs have landed a highly-touted prospect that was being pursued by 28 NHL teams.
The Toronto Maple Leafs didn't have many draft picks to work with higher up in this year's NHL Entry Draft, so it was important that the players they did target were drafted based on their overwhelming potential, rather than what they can provide to the organization immediately.
The Leafs were able to land one of the more intriguing prospects in this year's draft in the 5th round, as Miroslav Holinka had really turned a lot of heads, apparently, in the Czech Extraliga this past season.
During an appearance on his podcast, Agent Provocateur, co-hosted by Adam Wylde, Walsh revealed that there were 28 teams who showed varying levels of interest in Holinka, with several NHL teams actually sending scouts from North America to watch him play in Czechia last season.
The fact that teams were sending North American scouts and not simply sending over their European scouts to watch this kid means that a lot of teams see a lot of potential in this player. Thankfully, the Leafs were able to snag him with the 151st overall pick.
The Maple Leafs were reportedly elated when Holinka was available in the 5th round. Walsh revealed on the podcast that several members of the Leafs organization actually have said that they believe he's going to be a real player once he develops, rather than just another long shot, as most 5th rounders tend to be.
Holinka, as Walsh mentioned, will likely begin his transition over to the North American game this season, as he was selected in the 2024 CHL import draft by the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League.
Source: Allan Walsh, Agent Provocateur
Season 3 Wrap Up: NHL Draft, Free Agency, & Another CTE Case | Agent Provocateur
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 12 | 437 ANSWERS The Maple Leafs have landed a highly-coveted prospect, per top player agent Do you think Miroslav Holinka will develop into an impact player at the NHL level? | ||
| Yes, he seems like a skilled kid | 169 | 38.7 % |
| No, I'm not holding my breath | 75 | 17.2 % |
| It's far too early to say for sure | 193 | 44.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
