The Maple Leafs have signed 2024 fifth-round pick Miroslav Holinka to a three-year, entry-level contract, per a team press release. Financial terms were not disclosed by the team but PuckPedia reports that the deal will carry a $918K cap charge.
Holinka, 19, made the jump to North America last season after playing his draft year in Czechia with HC Ocelari Trinec, split between their pro club and their under-20 squad. The offensive-minded center was spectacular in the Czech juniors in 2023-24, scoring 20 goals and 41 points in just 29 games.
That breakneck pace didn’t hold up as Holinka arrived in the much more competitive WHL with the Edmonton Oil Kings. However, he was still among their top producers on a per-game basis and had a 19-26–45 scoring line in 47 appearances.
The 6’1″, 185-lb center also cracked Czechia’s roster for the 2025 World Juniors, where he scored a goal and three assists in seven games en route to a bronze medal. While he could technically jump to the AHL this season – he turns 20 in November and wasn’t subjected to the AHL/CHL transfer agreement anyway since he was drafted out of Czechia – it wouldn’t be surprising to see him remain with the Oil Kings for another year of development. If he’s intent on turning pro, a lower-stakes environment like the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones may be a better fit for Holinka, who is still somewhat of a raw talent.
Since Holinka is signing at 19 and turns 20 before Jan. 1, 2026, he’s not eligible for an entry-level slide. His contract will take effect this season no matter if he sees NHL action or not, so he’ll be a restricted free agent upon expiry in 2028.