Former Maple Leafs Defenseman Heading to Europe

The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost some organizational depth as defenseman Filip Kral has signed a one-year deal to play in Finland next season.

Filip Kral signed a one-year contract with Pelicans in the Finnish Liiga today.

Pelicans is co-owned by Valtteri Bottas for the F1 fans.
— Kyle Cushman (@Kyle_Cush) July 14, 2023

The 23-year-old blueliner was a former fifth-round selection in 2018. Since being drafted into the Leafs organization, Kral has played primarily with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League. He appeared in two NHL games for the Maple Leafs last season, posting zero points.

Kral's best season came back in 2021-22, when he posted 21 points in 58 games for the Marlies. The 6-foot-1 Czechia native is hopeful he'll see some more playing time next season with the Pelicans and can eventually work his way back in the NHL scene.

🚨 Kiekollisesti taitava tshekkipuolustaja Filip Kral, 23, liittyy Pelicans-miehistöön yksivuotisella sopimuksella! 💪💙

✍️ TIEDOTE:https://t.co/eXndCARdE9 #PelicansFi #Liiga pic.twitter.com/f47nc04vEk
— Lahden Pelicans (@PelicansFi) July 14, 2023