The Toronto Maple Leafs need all the help they can get for the 2025-26 NHL season. However, the organization believed Auston Matthews and company had no use for one former third-round selection, letting him walk into unrestricted free agency. Now, the former Leaf is onto the next chapter of his career.
It never worked out for Mikko Kokkonen in the NHL. After being selected by the Maple Leafs with the 84th overall pick in 2019, he has yet to make his league debut. It’s safe to say next season won’t be the occasion, either.
Set to become a restricted free agent (RFA) this offseason, Toronto didn’t extend a qualifying offer to the 24-year-old blueliner, making him an unrestricted free agent (UFA). However, instead of staying in the continent, Kokkonen set his sights in the Old World.
Back to Scandinavia
“Mikko Kokkonen has signed a one-year contract with Linkoping Hockey Club,” the club announced on its social media. Now, Kokkonen will join the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) for the upcoming season.
Mikko Kokkonen #84 of the Toronto Maple Leafs plays against the Detroit Red Wingsduring a pre season game at Little Caesars Arena on October 03, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.
The Finnish defenseman never got to play alongside Matthews and the Buds, but he played for the Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. Kokkonen appeared in 141 games, recording 39 points (8 goals and 31 assists) in the minors.
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NHL News: Patrik Laine, Canadiens’ best shot to spoil Auston Matthews, Leafs’ plan reportedly hinges on scrutinized first-round pick
Five ‘must-see’ games in the 2025-26 season
Matthews and the Maple Leafs will have their work cut out for them during the upcoming NHL campaign. Tension continues to build in Hogtown. Last year’s collapse might be fading from memory, but the seemingly eternal wait for glory certainly is not.
Over 55 years have passed without the Buds hoisting a Stanley Cup—calling fans in Toronto impatient would be an understatement. Therefore, the Leafs must deliver. Every game is crucial, but the following could mean much more than just two points.
- Season opener against the eternal foes: vs Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 8
- Six-game road trip begins: at Montreal Canadiens on Nov. 22
- Raining Cats and Rats: at Florida Panthers on Dec. 2
- Mitch Marner’s homecoming: vs Vegas Golden Knights on Jan. 23
- Battle for the Niagara Falls: at Buffalo Sabres on Mar. 14
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