Top prospect leaves Europe to take next step with the Toronto Maple Leafs

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Julien Trekker
August 11, 2023 (9:56)

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One of the most intriguing prospect for the Maple Leafs is reportedly getting ready to play in Toronto next season.

We're talking about Roni Hirvonen. Since he got drafted by the Leafs in 2020, he played in the SM-Liiga, in Finland. Now, after a lot of work, he's ready to play in North America.

"I feel like everyone helped me. We had a good group of guys, everyone took me in well and it was a fun time to be here. It made me look forward even more to start this season...

That's helped me a lot to come here and get to know everyone and the training on the ice. I feel I got some improvement in the five weeks I was here after my season in Finland. I feel I'm more ready to come here now.

I've gotten more mature, stronger, faster and everything has improved," he said. I'm looking forward to starting the season here."

Good Words from Wickenheiser

The Leafs' Assistant General Manager of Player Development Hayley Wickenheiser mentionned that she likes how Hirvonen's game has evolved since he got drafted.

"I think he's made significant progress and really, the credit goes to Roni. He's been very open to the ideas we've thrown at him as a development staff. We've changed a little bit about his posture, his stick, his approach to the game. He's a more confident guy, more powerful and explosive.

He had a very long season last year where they played almost 11 months, so he's catching up off the ice in terms of conditioning and training, which will be the biggest thing for Roni because he's a competitor, he has a good head on him and sees the ice fairly well."

Coming from her, that speaks volume. We can't wait to see him next season?

As seen on NHL.com - Hirvonen set to play in North America, eyes future with Maple Leafs