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Update On 2 Toronto Maple Leafs Playing in the KHL

By Jeremy Ridgewell

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 28: Yegor Korshkov #96 of the Toronto Maple Leafs passes the puck away as Madison Bowey #74 of the Detroit Red Wings defends during an NHL pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena on September 28, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 28: Yegor Korshkov #96 of the Toronto Maple Leafs passes the puck away as Madison Bowey #74 of the Detroit Red Wings defends during an NHL pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena on September 28, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs currently have two players who are playing in the KHL. Here is a look at how each player is doing so far.

With the OHL and AHL currently shut down, hockey fans – and the Toronto Maple Leafs – have to go overseas for their hockey fix.

While most Leafs players and prospects are currently not playing, there are two players who are:

Egor Korshgov, a second round pick from 2016 who has played one NHL game so far,  and  Mikko Lehtonen who the Leafs signed as a free-agent last summer.  Let’s take a look at how each player is doing so far in the KHL. (All stats eliteprospects.com).

Egor Korshkov – KHL – Lokomotiv

Due to the NHL season not starting until January 1st at the earliest, Korshkov is making the most out of the delay, by playing over in the KHL. The 24-year-old native of Novosibirsk, Russia is currently playing for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.

So far, this season he has recorded six goals and six assists for 12 points in 15 games. Being able to play right now should be beneficial to Korshkov when the Toronto Maple Leafs  training camp starts. The 6’4, 181 Lbs right-winger will try to land a spot in the NHL, although with the recent depth the Leafs added, he is a long shot to make the team.

Korshkov will have plenty of competition in training camp as the Maple Leafs have a lot of players vying for roles in the lineup. he will have to hope that by playing right now and being in game shape when camp starts, gives him the edge.

Mikko Lehtonen – KHL – Jokerit

Lehtonen was a highly coveted free agent defenseman from the KHL when he chose to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Prior to becoming a free agent, Lehtonen had a very good season with Jokerit in the KHL where he was named defenseman of the year. He recorded 17 goals and 32 assists for 49 points in 60 games.

The thought is that he will be able to challenge for lineup spot on the Maple Leafs blue line. He can play both the left and right side effectively, which will come in handy if and when injuries arise.

Just like Korshkov, Lehtonen is using the NHL season delay to get playing time in the KHL to start this season. So far this season he has six goals and eight assists for 14 points in 12 games. He is hoping that by playing meaningful hockey right now, he will have an advantage when the Toronto Maple Leafs open up training camp.

I have watched Korshkov play with the Marlies and I like his game. I would love to see him make it on to the Maple Leafs this season. As for Lehtonen, I don’t know if he will be in the top four, but he should for sure make the team. whether that is as the 5th, 6th or 7th defenseman remains to be seen for now.

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