Tragic news for Maple Leafs prospect Roni Hirvonen

This summer isn’t one Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Roni Hirvonen will want to remember.

Earlier this month, the 21-year-old suffered a concussion during the team’s development camp scrimmage after receiving a thunderous hit from Nolan Dillingham. A second-round pick in 2020, Hirvonen has been considered among the Maple Leafs’ most pro-ready prospects.

However, even more brutal news hit the young player on Friday. Insider Chris Johnston has reported that Roni’s father, longtime SM-liiga player Timo Hirvonen, has passed away. He was just 49 years old.

This is heartbreaking for the young man, who has been focused on recovering on the upper-body injury to finally play in Toronto, with the AHL's Marlies. Hirvonen had a strong final year with HIFK in the Finnish Elite League, scoring 15 goals and 13 assists in 57 games.

He signed a three-year entry-level deal with the Leafs in May 2022.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Roni and his family, and all friends of Timo Hirvonen at this difficult time. 

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