Toronto Maple Leafs report: Yegor Korshkov is coming to North America
By Austin Owens
According to a report, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Yegor Korshkov is set to join the team in the near future
Bah Gawd, that’s … that’s Yegor Korshkov’s music.
It’s been a long time coming for the Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick, who’s decided to stay in Russia and play the last three years in the KHL.
Following Lokomotiv Yaroslavl’s elimination from the Gagarin Cup playoffs, Korshkov is set to head to North America and join the Maple Leafs, according to NHL.com’s Igor Eronko.
He’s been one of the most highly anticipated players in the Leafs’ system for a long time – partially because it was a surprising selection and Leafs fans have been waiting to see what made the Buds take him with the No. 31 pick in 2016.
With talents like Alex Debrincat, Jordan Kyrou, Samuel Girard, and Carter Hart still on the board following the first round of the 2016 draft, the Leafs trusted their scouts and took a chance on Korshkov, an overage winger who was passed over the previous year.
That season, Korshkov posted over a point per game in the VHL – Russia’s version of the minors – as well as six goals and 12 points in the KHL. After becoming a permanent fixture with Lokomotiv, he had his best professional season in 2017-18, posting a career-high 26 points over 52 outings.
Korshkov has never been used in a role where he could develop into a legit top-6 F. He's skilled, he's strong and powerful, sometimes a beast on the boards, he's a good skater with an accurate wrist shot and there's a bit of a playmaker in him. He could become a great 3rd-liner
— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) March 10, 2019
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It was reported this past offseason that Korshkov was set to sign his entry-level contract and join the Leafs. However, the winger decided to stay in the KHL for one more season. That backfired almost immediately, as Korshkov was injured in Lokomotiv’s second game of the campaign. He was ruled out until December with a separated shoulder.
He played 19 games in the regular season and had a pair of goals and five points. In four postseason contests, Korshkov has a single assist.
Lokomotiv has advanced to the second round of the playoffs and are about to begin a series with SKA St. Petersburg, who boasts Nikita Gusev – the KHL’s top scorer – as well as former NHLers Nail Yakupov and Pavel Datsyuk on their roster.
While Eronko didn’t specify where Korshkov will report, it’s all but certain that the 22-year-old will join the Marlies upon his arrival. This is his first chance to play competitive hockey on North American ice. With the Marlies looking poised for another run in the postseason, the Russian could bring some added punch to the lineup.
Korshkov looks to be one of several promising youngsters set to join the Marlies down the stretch. Goaltender Ian Scott and defenders Jesper Lindgren and Mac Hollowell could all feature in the AHL, while the Leafs could also bring in a slew of other individuals once their respective years come to a close.
All eyes will be on Korshkov when he does make the transition to North America. His debut has been three years in the making. Hopefully, he can find chemistry and success in relatively quick fashion.
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What do you think of Korshkov’s expected arrival in North America? What are your expectations for the former second-rounder? Let us know in the comments below!