Leafs sign Finnish defenseman Mikko Kokkonen

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed 21 year old defenseman Mikko Kokkonen. He won't be eligible to join the team until the 2022-23 season, however.

Kokkonen, who was drafted by the Leafs in the 3rd round (84th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, has put up 15 points in 58 games for the Lahti Pelicans of the Finnish Liiga this season.

From the Leafs' official press release announcement:

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that the club has signed defenceman Mikko Kokkonen to a three-year entry-level contract beginning in the 2022-23 season. The average annual value of the contract is $846,666.

Kokkonen, 21, skated in 58 games for the Lahti Pelicans of the Finnish Elite League (Liiga) this season, recording one goal and 14 assists. In 216 career Liiga games, the Mikkeli, Finland native has registered 54 points (eight goals, 46 assists). During the 2020-21 season, Kokkonen appeared in 11 AHL games with the Toronto Marlies where he picked up one goal and six assists. Internationally, Kokkonen won a bronze medal with Finland at the IIHF World Junior Championships. 

Kokkonen was selected by Toronto in the third round (84th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft.

- Toronto Maple Leafs