Former Maple Leafs' 3rd-Round Pick Heads Overseas to Continue Career
A former third-round draft pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs, still just 24 years old, is leaving North America to head back to Europe, without ever having skated in an NHL game. Finnish defenseman Mikko Kokkonen, a third-rounder in 2019 by Toronto, is headed to Sweden to continue his hockey career.
Mikko Kokkonen is headed to the SHL's Linköping.
— Nick Barden (@nickbarden) August 11, 2025
The 2019 third-round pick spent three full seasons with the Marlies, but never got a legitimate shot at the NHL level. https://t.co/a2W2M742Fr
He's signed a one-year contract with Linköping in the SHL. His entry-level contract with the Leafs expired after last season, but he was not given a qualifying offer.
Kokkonen has been a regular for the Toronto Marlies in the AHL for the past few years, and was an assistant captain last season with the Leafs' affiliate. In 115 games over the past two years, the 6-foot, 200-pound d-man recorded 33 points with a plus/minus rating of +11.
"We have been following him closely. We have spoken to players he has played with before and of course with people in Toronto's organization. He receives a lot of praise for his character and professionalism. It will be exciting to see him in our colors," said Linköping sports director Peter Jakobsson.
He's a solid defender who can move the puck well out of the zone, with good skating abilities.
This might not be the end of the blueliner's attempts to make the National Hockey League, as Jakobsson added that Kokkonen still has a goal of playing in the NHL in the future. The Maple Leafs hold his rights through 2028.
