Last summer, the Toronto Maple Leafs surprised everyone with an off-the-board pick in the fourth round of the entry draft. 19 year old Vladislav Kara, a forward in the Ak Bars Kazan organization was selected by the Leafs.

So far this year Kara has spent some time with the men’s team in the KHL learning the ropes, and he’s also played first- to second-line minutes in the VHL farm club.  He has six goals and two assists in 12 games for Bars Kazan.  He played in one U20 tune up tournament in the summer where he had one goal and one assist in three games.

Now, according to reports, he has been added to the final roster for the Canada-Russia series that takes place this month.

The Canada - Russia series is an annual event where junior all-star teams from the three CHL leagues: WHL, OHL and QMJHL play a travelling squad of Russian juniors made up in part from the Russian players already in North America.

The games are all broadcast on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada.

2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series Schedule:

Game 1 – Monday November 6 at Moose Jaw, SK

Game 2 – Tuesday November 7 at Swift Current, SK

Game 3 – Thursday November 9 at Owen Sound, ON

Game 4 – Monday November 13 at Sudbury, ON

Game 5 – Tuesday November 14 at Charlottetown, PE

Game 6 – Thursday November 16 at Moncton, NB

There is no guarantee that every Russian player draws in for every game, but in the most recent Russian practice, Kara was playing the third line for the team.

Maple Leafs Prospects