Auston Matthews is back and the signs of his return were evident after his skate with teammates on Long Island. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Miroslav Holinka and Czechia won its third straight medal at the IIHF World Juniors Championship in Ottawa, securing the bronze, with a 3-2 shootout victory over Sweden after 14 rounds on Sunday afternoon. The 2024 fifth-round pick (151st overall) registered the lone assist on the team’s second goal against Sweden, capping off his tournament total with four points (1G, 3A) in seven games. Holinka was Czechia's first shooter in the 14-round marathon, but he failed to capitalize on the opportunity. However, Czechia captain Eduard Sale scored two goals on five attempts in the shootout, including the game-winning goal in the 14th round to solidify the Bronze. Holinka and Czechia eliminated Canada and Easton Cowan for a second straight year in the quarterfinals, ending their tournament in the Nation’s Capital. Over two tournaments with Canada, Cowan had just five points (2G, 3A) in 10 games. Holinka finished the tournament as Czechia’s first-line center with his head coach, and former Leaf, Patrik Augusta, telling TSN's Mark Masters [https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1875583133250416811] the promising forward was the “brain of the line.” The 2024 tournament marked the final year of his eligibility considering his 19-year-old status, but there is hope the forward could leap from the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies – with hopes of signing his entry-level contract. In his first season with the Oil Kings, Holinka has 10 goals, 11 assists, and 21 points in 23 games – producing at a near-point-per-game pace. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExNjM5NDEwNTc4NDM0MDI0/googlenews.svg] Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwytvfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story.
