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It’s the dog days of the NHL offseason, so here are a few news and notes that have to do with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and don’t have to do with the Olympics or the Blue Jays:
With literally no news coming from the club or representatives of defenseman Jani Hakanpaa, we are left interpreting items popping up on social media to give us a clue as to where things stand.
The big blueliner appeared at an All-Star Charity golf tournament in his native Finland earlier this week wearing a Dallas Stars jersey. The unrestricted free agent reportedly signed a two-year, $3 million contract with the Leafs on July 1, but the deal was never registered with the league after indications emerged that the 32-year-old had a knee injury that is “bone-on-bone” and would likely make it impossible for him to play.
Leafs reporter Kyle Cushman indicated via X that scout Chris Roque is leaving the organization and heading to (you guessed it) Pittsburgh to join former GM Kyle Dubas and Director of Amateur Scouting Wes Clark with the Penguins.
Before you get yourself in a tizzy, this is the way things work in the NHL. Depending on their contract situations, scouts often hop from club to club, especially if the higher-ups have headed to a different location.
It is entirely possible that new Leafs Director of Amateur Scouting Mark Leach will bring in some of his own people who worked with him in Detroit and Dallas down the line.
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Leafs 2024 fifth-rounder Miroslav Holinka will be playing in North America this season. The 18-year-old center was selected by the Edmonton Oil Kings 14th overall in the CHL Import Draft after playing last season for Trinec Ocelari HC in Czechia.
✍️ The ink is dry! ✍️
Oil Kings have signed Miroslav Holinka to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement, the club announced today. Holinka was selected 14th overall by the club in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. Welcome to the Oil Kings, Miroslav! 👑https://t.co/aIDUehHFFVpic.twitter.com/oDlPlS0cYP
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • 
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