Another Former Leafs Defenseman Leaves North America
Another Leafs Defenseman has left the organization in favor of a larger opportunity playing in Europe.
Kral Leaves North America
The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted defenseman Filip Kral in the 5th round of the 2018 NHL draft.
It looked like they had drafted a steal with Kral's offensive prowess showing in his final CHL year where he was nearly a point per game as a defenseman.
However, he struggled last year. He made his NHL debut but went pointless in two games. He also had worse scoring rates at the AHL level than he did in 2021-22.
It was announced yesterday that he will be signing in the Finnish LIIGA.
Translated Announcement:
Puck-savvy Czech defenseman Filip Kral, 23, joins the Pelicans crew on a one-year deal!
Kral will look to produce at a higher rate in Finland in hopes of eventually coming back to the NHL and establishing himself as a full-time NHLer.
As seen on Maple Leafs Daily -
Former Leafs defenseman leaves North America to pursue another opportunity in Finland
POLL |
Will the Maple Leafs win the Atlantic division next year? |
Yes | 936 | 50.8 % |
No | 907 | 49.2 % |
List of polls |
|
6 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Robert Bortuzzo Facing Potential Suspension After Leaving Bench And Sparking Brawl |
|
6 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Battle For Roster Spot Intensifies As Jani Hakanpaa Adopts A New Strategy After Simon Benoit's Standout Game |
|
9 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Nick Robertson's Future With The Leafs In Jeopardy After Game vs. Vegas Golden Knights |
|
10 hours ago | By Chris Gerics NHL DoPS Delivers Official Ruling on Zach Whitecloud's Potential Suspension for Hit on Matthew Knies |
|
11 hours ago | By Tom Banks Bruins New Head Coach Joe Sacco Shocks the NHL With His First Controversial Move |
|
11 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Darnell Nurse Causes a Stir Following his Comments on the Ryan Reaves' Hit |
|
13 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Craig Berube Makes His Feelings Known About Zach Whitecloud's Hit on Matthew Knies |
|
14 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Craig Berube Provides an Update on Auston Matthews' Trip to Germany |
Previously on HockeyPatrol