Maple Leafs prospect exits rookie camp scrimmage after taking crushing hit

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Roni Hirvonen suffered a concussion during the team’s development camp scrimmage on Saturday. after receiving a thunderous hit from Nolan Dillingham.

Hirvonen was cutting through the middle with his head down and Dillingham levelled him with a thunderous hit. The 21-year-old stayed down on the ice for a few minutes before being taken to the locker room with the assistance of trainers.

Maple Leafs AGM Hayley Wickenheiser confirmed Hirvonen suffered a concussion during her media availability Saturday afternoon. Hirvonen was later seen walking around the Ford Performance Centre.

“It was a clean hit," Wickenheiser said. "It happens to everyone. You never want to see it in a game scenario like this. We all held our breath a little bit, but the fact that he was able to get up and get off the ice was a good sign. I think he'll be fine.”

Hirvonen drew excellent reviews from Wickenheiser and the Maple Leafs’ staff throughout camp. A second-round pick in 2020, Hirvonen is considered among the organization’s most pro-ready prospects.

“He'll need some time to recover," Wickenheiser said of Hirvonen. "He's a very tough human and that was a very big hit."

Hirvonen is expected to start next season with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies but it’ll be worth monitoring his progress throughout the summer as he recovers from the concussion.

The Espoo, Finland native spent last season with HIIFK of the Finnish Liiga, registering 28 points in 57 games. Hirvonen signed a three-year entry-level deal with the Leafs in May 2022.

Dillingham, 21, was an undrafted camp invitee. The 6-foot-1, 201-pound defenceman spend the 2022-23 campaign as the captain of the OHL's Sarnia Sting, tallying 14 points in 45 games.