The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially announced a two-year entry-level contract for Egor Korshkov, finally bringing the Russian prospect into the organization. The contract is set to begin next season, but Korshkov will join the Toronto Marlies on a professional tryout for the rest of the Calder Cup playoffs.
Originally selected 31st overall in 2016, the 22-year old Korshkov has become something of a disappointment for Maple Leafs fans even before he appeared in North America. While players like Jordan Kyrou (35th overall), Alex DeBrincat (39th) and Samuel Girard (47th) have taken great strides to become some of the top young players and prospects in the game, Korshkov struggled overseas where few could view him. The 6’4″ winger has dealt with multiple injuries since his draft, including this season when he suited up just 19 times for Yaroslavl during the regular season.
Still, if Korshkov could shake the comparison to some of his draft contemporaries he may bring plenty of excitement to Toronto. The winger will provide a big body—something that Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock referenced at his year-end media availability—and a different style than the smaller, skilled forwards that are littered throughout the Toronto organization. Korshkov can be a physical presence in front of the net and has shown flashes of high-end skill with the puck.
He’ll have to stay healthy of course, but this deal represents a chance for him to turn his professional hockey career around. The Maple Leafs are dying for a player to provide some size and strength for their forward group, and if he can hit the next few steps in his development path perhaps Korshkov could be the answer.