They’re all players from disparate backgrounds, from different leagues in different countries. They’re all gathered at Toronto’s MasterCard Centre chasing the same dream: To one day play in the NHL.



For some of the 37 free agents here, wearing the official gear of the Maple Leafs at development camp is as close to the NHL as they’ll get. But that reality is easily dismissed when you’re in a rink surrounded by players with so much promise.



Kristian Pospisil is just one of those hopefuls looking to catch an eye and earn a contract.



He’s 21 years old. Since leaving his home in Zvolen, Slovakia, at age 15, the skilled forward has played in five countries and on three continents.



“If he ever gets his skating figured out, he could really be a player,” one NHL evaluator said.



“Big kid with decent hands,” added another NHL scout who had multiple viewings of Pospisil. “His skating...