Have the Toronto Maple Leafs found another hidden gem in the 2024 NHL Draft?
Fifth-round pick (151st overall) Miroslav Holinka is off to a stellar start heading into his 2024-25 campaign. Holinka, currently playing for the Czech Republic under-20 team, is competing in the international friendly tournament. The event is used for exhibition games or ‘friendlys’ between national teams, helping with tournament preparation, player evaluation and training sessions for players before they dive into their respective regular seasons.
Playing on what appeared to be ice, Holinka scored the Czech Republic’s first goal in the team’s 4-2 defeat to Switzerland on Wednesday. The Czech Republic recovered their recovery on Friday, defeating Switzerland 5-3, with Holinka scoring the team’s only goal in the 4-1 defeat to Finland on Sunday.
The 1.80 meter forward played for HC Ocelari Trinec of the Czech Republic for the last two seasons, splitting time between the professional team and the under-20 team. Playing just 16 games for the top club, he scored one goal and two assists, being called up due to his performance in the U20 category. Competing with players his age, he scored 20 goals and added 21 assists for 41 points in 29 regular season games. In the postseason, he produced nearly a point-per-game pace, scoring six goals and eight assists for 14 points in 15 games.
The prospect participated in the Leafs’ development camp in early July, showcasing his scoring abilities. In a performance similar to his performance in the International Friendly, Holinka scored two goals for ‘Team Blue’. The 18-year-old made no mistake with the puck centered in front, burying a quick shot from first-round pick Ben Danford (31st overall) for his first goal of the game.
The second was on a partial breakaway that saw him show balance, fake a pass and beat the glove side of Marco Costantini.
Hayley Wickenheiser, assistant general manager of player development for the Maple Leafs, called Holinka “bright spot in the camp” due to his “beautiful hands” and added, “You can tell he played men’s hockey professionally. Just his habits, his game details, some of the plays he makes.”
Former scouting director Wes Clark stated post-draft that the Czech forward had “high intelligence. And he can shoot the puck. Good shooter, very good shooter. Very good size. We really like his intelligence.”
While it’s unclear whether Holinka will play in North America in 2024-25, he has options in the USHL or CHL. In the USHL, he was selected by the Waterloo Black Hawks in May before being signed by the Leafs in June. Just days after the NHL Entry Draft, the Edmonton Oil Kings called him up to the CHL Import Draft, expecting him to be in their lineup on opening night in the fall.
President and General Manager Kirt Hill said, “We believe this will be a great place for him to continue his development as a player in preparation for professional hockey. He is a player with a great shot and good offensive instincts. We are excited to incorporate it into our programming this fall.” club website.
The choice is within! With the 14th overall selection in the 2024 CHL Import Draft, the Oil Kings are proud to select Miroslav Holinka!
Welcome to the Oil Kings, Miroslav! pic.twitter.com/JwVYsk53Wj
– Edmonton Oil Kings (@EdmOilKings) July 3, 2024
Time will tell which path Holinka chooses, but the CHL would provide ample opportunities in Edmonton. While he hasn’t indicated a preference, he’s expected to end up there.
For now, still years away from the NHL, his development and ability to score goals have put him on the Leafs’ nationwide radar. At 18 years old, there is a lot of room for growth, especially considering the professional experience you already have on your resume.
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