The Maple Leafs made long-term commitments to Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Is it enough to remake the look and feel of Toronto's defense? Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Miroslav Holinka is heading to Edmonton. The Edmonton Oil Kings announced on ‘X’ Wednesday that the club has signed the Czechia native to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. “The Oil Kings are proud to sign Miroslav Holinka,” said President and General Manager Kirt Hill in a statement [https://chl.ca/whl/article/oil-kings-sign-holinka-to-whl-scholarship-and-development-agreement/]. “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.” The Leafs drafted Holinka in the fifth round (151st overall) of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. As noted by Hill, Holinka attended the Leafs’ development camp in early July, showcasing his goal-scoring abilities, scoring two goals for ‘Team Blue’. Hayley Wickenheiser, the Maple Leafs' assistant general manager of player development, called Holinka a “bright spot in camp [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAb2CflRyNI]” 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 18-year-old had "high intelligence. And he can zip the puck. Good shooter, real good shooter. Pretty good size. We really like his intelligence." [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hJ7cdEQbc8[/embed] Following the Leafs’ camp, Holinka participated with Team Czechia’s U20 team in the Friendly International tournament, which wrapped up a week ago. In the event, Holinka finished second on the team in scoring as he notched four points (3G, 1A) in three games. The 6-foot-1 forward has played for the HC Ocelari Trinec in Czechia for the past two seasons, splitting time between the professional team and the U20 squad. Appearing in just 16 games for the top club, he scored a goal and two assists, earning a call-up due to his performance at the U20 level. Competing with players around his age, he tallied 20 goals and added 21 assists for 41 points in 29 regular season games. In the postseason, he produced at a near point-per-game pace, scoring six goals and eight assists for 14 points in 15 games. Though it was yet to be determined whether he would take the route of the CHL, Holinka had options available. In addition to the Oil Kings, he was selected by the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks in May. Despite both organizations providing an opportunity, Holinka decided to join the Oil Kings in Alberta, looking to continue his growth at the junior level. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTk1MTUxMDE2NDM2ODQ0/cf1808c0-6a82-4298-9049-3eb2eae105b0.jpg] Related Why the Maple Leafs Are Reportedly Bringing Back Kyle Clifford on a One-Year Deal With the Marlies [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/why-the-maple-leafs-are-reportedly-bringing-back-kyle-clifford-on-a-one-year-deal-with-the-marlies] Maple Leafs Star William Nylander Seen Training in Sweden, Makes an Appearance at Local Summer Sports Camp in Stockholm [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-star-william-nylander-seen-training-in-sweden-makes-an-appearance-at-local-summer-sports-camp-in-stockholm] ‘He’s What You Want In A Coach’: Former Maple Leafs Defenseman Luke Schenn Praises Newly Appointed Head Coach Craig Berube Ahead of First Season in Toronto [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/hes-what-you-want-in-a-coach-former-maple-leafs-defenseman-luke-schenn-praises-newly-appointed-head-coach-craig-berube-ahead-of-first-season-in-toronto] News from THN.com NHL Rumor Roundup: Latest On the Carolina Hurricanes and Winnipeg Jets [https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-rumor-roundup-latest-on-the-carolina-hurricanes-and-winnipeg-jets] Collecting Connor: Rising NHL Star Bedard Saw His Hockey Cards Soar In Value [https://thehockeynews.com/news/rising-nhl-star-connor-bedard-saw-his-hockey-cards-soar-in-value-this-season] What's Next Once Hurricanes Winger Martin Necas Gets His New Contract? [https://thehockeynews.com/news/whats-next-once-hurricanes-winger-martin-necas-gets-his-new-contract]
