Leafs Sign Kral, Rubins to ELCs

Filip Kral

Filip Kral was picked 149th overall in 2018 by the Toronto Maple Leafs. After a strong season in which he led all WHL defensemen in scoring, he’s been able to consistently improve his scoring, and overall game. He appeared for the Czech WJC team two years in a row, although he wasn’t able to get many points on the board. Kral’s specialty is being a solid offensive defenseman, he’s able to put up points and move the puck. As his all-around game improves, he looks to be a hidden gem for the organization.

Kral will likely start next season in Newfoundland. The 20-year-old is stuck behind a deep defense, so he’ll likely have to fight to impress. The other option is what I’ll call the “Jesper Lindgren” route. If both parties feel Kral won’t get enough ice time, he could be loaned out to the Czech league (or whatever other leagues they see fit), until they feel he’s ready to join the Marlies (Lindgren spent a year after signing his ELC and made appearances with the Marlies on PTOs on multiple occasions. His contract will be a three-year ELC. The cap hit and salary haven’t been confirmed.

Kristians Rubins

Kristians Rubins is an absolute gem of a find for the Growlers and could be the team’s first model success story. After a solid WHL career which saw him appear in the WJC for Latvia and saw him be projected to be drafted, he signed an ECHL deal with the Newfoundland Growlers prior to their inaugural season. He took a key role with the Kelly Cup-winning Growlers and was a frequent call-up to the Marlies. The next season, he played 47 games with the Toronto Marlies after signing an AHL deal with the team. Rubins is able to use his 6’4 frame effectively, he’s a fairly mobile defenseman and can put up offense. 

The 22-year-old can expect to receive a key role with the Marlies. He’s being rewarded with an NHL deal, meaning he’s had an ECHL deal, an AHL deal, and an NHL deal in just three seasons. He’s someone who, if his development path continues as great as it has, will likely put himself on the radar for appearing with the Leafs. Rubins’ ELC lasts two years, the financial details aren’t known yet.

What’s Next?

Kral’s rights would’ve expired on June 1st. Now, the Leafs have to look at Riley Stotts and Zachary Bouthillier. Stotts had a solid WHL career, the Leafs’ 2018 3rd round pick will likely be taken a look at for an ELC. Bouthillier is more likely to receive an AHL or ECHL deal. The organization clearly believes in him, so I’d be surprised if they let him go.

The Leafs are yet to get involved in NCAA FA, but they ARE taking a look at some KHL FAs. 

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