Toronto Maple Leafs Lose Their Former Fifth-Round Pick After Signing a Professional Contract Elsewhere
In 2019, the Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Mike Koster in the fifth round, however, he has remained with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers without a deal.
Mike Koster has been a heralded defenseman with the Golden Gophers over the past few years and during this time, the Maple Leafs have failed to sign him despite having his rights.
This has led to questions about whether or not the team would make a move, especially in the aftermath of signing other NCAA stars.
Well, Koster's rights are about to expire on August 15th and it has become clear that he will not be staying in the Maple Leafs family.
Mike Koster goes to the ECHL
It was announced that the defenseman has signed in the ECHL with the Iowa Heartlanders, a team that has a lot of potential.
Overall, this is a good move for Koster who can now officially begin his journey in professional hockey.
We have signed Minnesota Golden Gophers Captain & defenseman Mike Koster to his first professional contract!!
Koster led the Gophers to TWO Frozen Fours and has worn the «C» for the last two years.
Welcome to the Heartland, Mike!!
Koster led the Gophers to TWO Frozen Fours and has worn the «C» for the last two years.
Welcome to the Heartland, Mike!!
As stated again, this now means Koster will officially leave the Maple Leafs franchise on August 15th and is free to play with his new team.
Meanwhile, the Leafs now have guys like John Prokop, Luke Haymes, and Ryan Kirwan coming in from the world of college hockey.
Overall, these are some highly-touted prospects and there is no doubt that some teams around the league are very jealous to see these guys around and prospering.
At the end of the day, you have to appreciate what the Leafs are building, and you also can't help but with Mike Koster well going forward.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 1 | 165 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Lose Their Former Fifth-Round Pick After Signing a Professional Contract Elsewhere Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs made a mistake by not signing Mike Coster? | ||
| YES | 36 | 21.8 % |
| NO | 129 | 78.2 % |
| List of polls | ||