Toronto Maple Leafs: Martins Dzierkals headed to the KHL
By James Reeve
Dinamo Riga of the KHL have announced the signing of Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Martins Dzierkals.
Martinss Dzierkals has not yet signed an entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs and will now look to continue his development in his home country.
Dzierkals was originally selected in the third round (68th overall) of the 2015 draft, having played for Dinamo’s MHL affiliates HK Riga.
After being selected by the Maple Leafs, Dzierkals moved to Canada to play for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL.
The 5-foot-11, 174 pounds winger performed well in Canadian major juniors, registering 116 points (45 goals and 71 assists) in 106 regular season games.
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The 21-year-old’s strong performances also helped the Huskies claim the President’s Cup as champions of the QMJHL in the 2015-16 season, where he also posted 17 points (seven goals and 10 assists) in 20 playoff games.
After two seasons in The Q, Dzierkals signed an AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies and was assigned to then-ECHL affiliate the Orlando Solar Bears.
Dzierkals earned 15 goals and 36 total points in 51 regular season games for the Solar Bears, also earning a four-game cameo in the AHL for the Marlies, though he failed to register any points.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs currently sitting at 47 contracts, it was doubtful that Dzierkals would be offered a deal before the new season began.
The Latvian native has now opted to continue his professional career in the KHL, with the hope that he will impress the NHL club over the coming season and earn an entry-level deal before his rights expire.
At present, Dzierkals’ rights will expire on June 1, 2019, but as he has moved to the KHL, his rights could potentially change status, meaning they will never expire while he is abroad – in a similar manner to Miro Aaltonen, who also moved to the KHL this summer.
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Toronto Maple Leafs fans, what do you think about Dzierkals moving to the KHL? Do you believe he has a future with the club, or is he likely to remain abroad indefinitely? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!