23-Year-Old Prospect Abandons Deal with Maple Leafs Before Ever Playing an NHL Game

As Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving focuses on getting an extension done with restricted free agent Matthew Knies, another pending RFA has chosen to leave the organization after two seasons with the Toronto Marlies.

According to Elite Prospects, Marlies forward Roni Hirvonen has signed a contract with Karpat of the Finnish Elite League for next season, effectively ending his time with the Maple Leafs.

The 2020 second-round pick joined the Marlies ahead of the 2023-24 season where he dealt with a vast amount of obstacles - from the sudden passing of his father, to being concussed at development camp and dealing with an eye injury that almost ended his career.

Despite all of that, Hirvonen put up 13 points in 37 games that season for the Marlies before adding another 21 points in 59 games this past season.

With a lack of center depth in the organization, particularly following the trade of Fraser Minten to the Boston Bruins, Hirvonen was likely in line for an increased role next season, but has chosen to go back to his homeland instead.

The Leafs would still retain his rights if they choose to issue him a qualifying offer by June 25th, similar to what they did a few seasons ago with another center prospect in Semyon Der-Arguchintsev, who has yet to return to the Leafs organization.