Kyle Dubas Embarrassed Again As 23-Year-Old Leafs Prospect Abandons the Franchise
Photo credit: Markerzone
23-year-old former second-round pick Roni Hirvonen has decided to leave the Toronto Maple Leafs after failing to play a single NHL game in two years with the franchise.
Kyle Dubas was certainly a polarizing figure when it came to the TToronto Maple Leafs. Overall, some fans did not appreciate his tenure as general manager, while others felt he wasn't so bad.
One area where Dubas was weak was drafting. His draft picks weren't always the best, especially when it comes to the guys taken after the first round.
A great example of this is Roni Hirvonen, who was taken 59th overall in the second round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. At 5'10", the center was an undersized risk, but Dubas took him anyway.
Kyle Dubas embarrassed by Roni Hirvonen
Over the last two seasons, Hirvonen has played for the Toronto Marlies, but hasn't been able to truly establish himself as a guy who is going to make the NHL.
Hirvonen has seen the writing on the wall, and on Monday, he opted to sign a new deal with Karpat of the Finnish Elite League.
Maple Leafs prospect Roni Hirvonen heading back to Finland on a one-year contract.
While the Maple Leafs retain his NHL rights, it wouldn't be surprising if many prospects aren't qualified. The difference in drafting/org philosophies from 2020 to 2025 has become notable.
While the Maple Leafs retain his NHL rights, it wouldn't be surprising if many prospects aren't qualified. The difference in drafting/org philosophies from 2020 to 2025 has become notable.
As reporter Joshua Kloke explained, Hirvonen's rights still belong to the Leafs, although at this point, there is very little chance they will bring him back.
Ultimately, Hirvonen is a player who was drafted during the Dubas era, when the standards for prospects were a bit dubious, no pun intended.
At this stage, the Leafs will now be focused more on the upcoming NHL Draft, which will begin on June 27th, one week to the day of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals (if necessary).
Only time will tell whether or not the Leafs can get their prospects in order here, as the fans are begging for something to cheer about.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 16 | 355 ANSWERS Kyle Dubas Embarrassed Again As 23-Year-Old Leafs Prospect Abandons the Franchise Do you think Kyle Dubas was a bad GM for the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 288 | 81.1 % |
| NO | 67 | 18.9 % |
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