Leafs prospect apparently heading to the KHL next season

With the Leafs headed into the bubble this evening, intent on enjoying a lengthy playoff run at the conclusion of their qualifying round with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the show must go on for those who did not find their way onto the Buds' bubble list.

Such is the case for former 2nd round draft pick Yegor Korshkov, who looks poised to sign a deal with HC Lokomotiv in the KHL. Despite a strong showing in training camp and the exhibition schedule in September, Korshkov just could not show enough at this stage in his young career to earn a spot on the wing in Toronto in his first season playing pro hockey in North America.

Korshkov did enjoy some success in the AHL, recording 25 points in 44 games with the Toronto Marlies, but with the state of uncertainty surrounding the 2020-21 AHL season, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it does make sense for Korshkov to continue with his development and play a full season in another pro league.

Korshkov is also familiar with Lokomotiv, after playing 5 seasons with the club previously from 2014-15 to 2018-19. His best statistical season there came in 2017-18 when the big Russian recorded 26 points in 52 games.

Despite showing a great deal of promise this year in North America, the move makes a great deal of sense for both sides, as Korshkov is currently buried on the Leafs' depth chart.

There are no details available at this point, but the best guess is a 1-year deal with Lokomotiv, leaving the 24-year-old with an option to return to North America in 2021-22.

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