Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick Miroslav Holinka turns heads at development camp

PUBLICATION

Austin Kelly
July 7, 2024 (3:48 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Toronto Maple Leafs seem to have a very promising prospect in 2024 NHL Draft pick Miroslav Holinka, with the Czech prospect quickly becoming a fan favorite.

Holinka, 18, was a fifth round pick of Toronto, 151st overall, in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. As the Leafs start their development camp, Holinka is already impressing in Toronto, scoring two goals in a scrimmage.

Some fans seem to already be taking a liking to the Czech Center, who seems to be making waves amid a stacked prospect group that includes Leafs 2024 first rounder Ben Danford.

Holinka was ranked 31st by NHL Central Scouting for European Skaters, and 79th by The Athletic's Corey Pronman.

Currently playing in Toronto, Holinka may stick in North America next season, having been drafted in the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft by the Edmonton Oil Kings. Holinka was also taken in the United States Hockey League's Import Draft by the Waterloo Black Hawks

Miroslav Holinka Scouting Report

Holinka has good off-puck awareness and overall positioning, picking good spots to open up offensive spacing or to gain chances for himself. Just in general Holinka sees the ice and the players around him at an advanced level.

Holinka has shown at times the ability to have good deceptiveness and mobility with the puck, capable in weaving past opponents, and uses his self-creation to provide for himself and others. Holinka's creativity should be able to stand out long-term.

One question is his puckhandling, more in terms of receiving passes. The puck seems to get a bit slippery when it comes to Holinka's stick, with him not looking like he has full control at times.

Not a high ceiling but could top out as a versatile bottom-six forward with PK2 responsibilities, but his puck control will have to be a big fix.

Source - Maple Leafs appear to have hit a homerun with 5th round pick Miroslav Holinka