Top 5 Toronto Maple Leafs Prospects Flying Under the Radar

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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 22: Mikko Kokkonen reacts after being selected 84th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images) /

#4. Mikko Kokkonen

Drafted: Round 3, 84th overall, 2019 NHL Entry Draft

Position: Defense, shoots left

The more draft picks you can select that are playing in the WJHC, the better. Not only did Kokkonen play in the WJHC, but he was named “Player of the Game” in Team Finland’s semi-final loss.

As one of the best Finnish defensive prospects, it’s almost certain that he’ll be representing Team Finland once again this December at the WJHC, so watch out for him. He’s not a big player on the blue-line, listed at 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, but in today’s modern NHL, you don’t have to be.

The left-handed defenseman probably won’t be making an impact in North America for 1-2 seasons, as he’ll continue to mature in Europe. However, he’s an exciting prospect to look out for. If you look at his offensive stats, they’re not flashy, but that’s not his style of player.

Hayden Soboleski of DobberProspects mentioned that Kokkonen’s strong point is his “200-foot play,” so that’s important. Kokkonen has a high-ceiling and at only 19-years-old, it should be noted that he’s been playing in Finland’s elite hockey league for three full seasons now. The ability to play against men, instead of staying in junior should give him an advantage, as he gets ready for the next step.

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