The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed Prince George Cougars forward Borya Valis to a three-year, entry-level contract.
The Maple Leafs announced the signing of Valis Saturday morning.
“I want to thank my family, billet families, coaches, Gold Star Hockey, my teammates, and friends for all of their support and their help throughout my life,” Valis said. “This is a dream come true.”
The 20-year-old product of Denver, Colo., sits second in scoring on the Cougars this season, having recorded 73 points (29G-44A) in 57 games. The 2024-25 campaign represented an emergence for the 6-foot-2, 192-pound Valis, who has established new career highs in goals, assists, points, and shots on goal.
“(Valis) has earned this contract,” said Mark Lamb, General Manager and Head Coach of the Cougars. “He came here with a mindset to get better every day and have an open mindset on trusting the process and coaching. He’s a great example of what it takes to be a pro. I’m very proud of (Borya) on his accomplishment and I’m excited about what his promising future holds.”
Valis was originally listed and signed to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement by the Regina Pats in January 2021. He was acquired by the Cougars from the Pats on December 31, 2023.
Since landing in Prince George, Valis has tallied 110 points (42G-68A) in 89 games. Over the course of 236 career WHL regular season games split between the Pats and Cougars, he has collected 216 points (86G-130A).
Having already clinched a berth in the 2025 WHL Playoffs, Valis and the Cougars (34-19-4-2) will look to continue their push for home-ice advantage when they visit the Kamloops Blazers (21-32-4-1) tonight at 6 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. MT.
