24-Year-Old Defenseman Reportedly Leaving the Maple Leafs in Favour of Another Opportunity

Mikko Kokkonen is reportedly leaving the Maple Leafs

Photo credit: Rick Osentoski | Imagn Images

The Maple Leafs have lost a handful of AHL players to European leagues so far this summer and a 24-year-old defenseman is reportedly joining the growing list.

For Kokkonen, who was a third-round pick of the Leafs in 2019, the move was expected after the Leafs failed to tender him a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.

With 10 defensemen on the Toronto Marlies roster for next season, and Kokkonen being a draft pick of the Kyle Dubas regime, his playing time was slowly getting reduced as he skated in just 50 games last season after playing in 65 the season before.

It’s unfortunate that the Leafs and Kokkonen couldn’t find a solution, as many believe he has the potential to be a bottom pairing NHL defenseman. However, the departure of the Finnish native will open up more opportunities for the likes of Ben Danford, John Prokop, Noah Chadwick and Blake Smith to further their development.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

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