3 Players The Toronto Maple Leafs Must Sign This Summer

3 Players The Toronto Maple Leafs Must Sign This Summer

Mike Koster

Koster was drafted in the fifth round, 146th overall in 2019.

Koster is an undersized puck moving defender listed at 5-10 and 181lbs.

He has spent the past four seasons with the University of Minnesota, serving as their captain this past year.

Things looked to be trending upward for Koster who amassed 29 points in 40 games in the 2022-23 season. However, his production dipped back down to 14 in 33 games this past season, much closer to his previous 12 and 14 through his first two seasons.

Of course, points aren’t everything especially not for defencemen but with his best asset being his puck-moving ability, he should be expected to produce more.

It was recently announced that the 23-year-old will play with the Gophers for a fifth season.

This means that Koster will not be turning pro with the Leafs, at least not this season. Next year, he will be 24 and will be an unrestricted free agent and could find himself fighting for a job, likely on a minor league contract.

For now, the Leafs own his rights until August 15th.