Toronto Maple Leafs: Martins Dzierkals could return to Latvia
By James Reeve
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Martins Dzierkals could return to his home country of Latvia, if he is unable to play for the Toronto Marlies this season.
According to Aivis Kalniņš, a KHL insider and writer for Hockeybuzz, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Martins Dzierkals has an option to play for the Dinamo Riga in the KHL and could move back to Europe if his desire to play in the AHL is unattainable.
Dzierkals was a third round pick in the 2015 NHL draft for the Maple Leafs, being picked from HK Riga of the MHL at the time.
He has continued to develop at a steady pace since being selected 68th overall, and moved to the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL.
During his two-year spell in Canadian major juniors, Dzierkals scored 45 goals and earned 116 total points in 106 regular season games.
More from Toronto Maple Leafs
- Maple Leafs Rumours: Half of NHL teams interested in Ilya Mikheyev
- Toronto Maple Leafs: How to address the goaltender position
- Leafs reward Timothy Liljegren with extension after breakout season
- Maple Leafs: Jack Campbell situation becoming increasingly uncertain
- Jason Spezza retires, joins Toronto Maple Leafs front office
He added a further 19 points (seven goals and 12 assists) in 26 playoff games and won the President’s Cup with the team in the 2016-17 season.
Dzierkals’ impressive spell for the Huskies saw him step up to the ECHL last season and play for the Leafs’ affiliate, the Orlando Solar Bears.
The 5-foot-11, 174 pounds left-handed winger picked up 36 points (15 goals and 21 assists) in 51 regular season games, also featuring four times in the AHL for the Calder Cup-winning Marlies.
He did not register any points in his brief AHL stint, but is still hopeful of being offered a contract by the Leafs, to allow him to continue his development in the second tier of North American hockey.
The Leafs are currently at 47 contracts and may feel that offering Dzierkals will take up a spot that could potentially be filled by an NHL roster player.
This would mean that the Latvian winger will either have to suit up in the ECHL for the Newfoundland Growlers, or move back to Europe to play in the KHL.
With the KHL having a higher quality level compared to the ECHL, it would be reasonable to expect Dzierkals to move back home and work on his development, with a view to impressing the Leafs further down the road.
Next. Mitch Marner excited to play with John Tavares. dark
What do you think Leafs Nation? Would you be disappointed to see Dzierkals move abroad, or do you think it’s a good move for his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs?