Maple Leafs Set to Part Ways with Prospect After Signing New Pro Contract

As the Maple Leafs embark on a new journey with a set of players from this year's collegiate season, a lot of hype and excitement surround what the future holds for not only these players but the team going forward.

However, there's only enough room for some, and while Toronto is saying hello to quite a few familiar faces, their inactivity is going to lead them to saying goodbye to one next season.

It was announced that Mike Koster, whom the Maple Leafs held the rights to but would be losing come late summer, has signed a pro deal with the Iowa Heartlanders of the ECHL.

He is one of several players who did not yet sign a deal and who's rights expire and are free to sign with any other team at that time.

A two-time Frozen Four participant and captain of the Golden Gophers,Koster posted 20 points in 40 games this season.

In his five year stint with Minnesota, he appeared in 180 games and had 89 points (18 G, 71A) while adding 38 PIM.

Koster was drafted 146th overall by the Maple Leafs in 2019, however never ended up signing with the club.

A bit smaller in stature, while a solid offensive defender, the new regime in Toronto has placed an emphasis on bigger bodied players and for Koster, a chance to play elsewhere to advance his career was the best possible choice given the circumstances.

So good luck to Mike Koster in Iowa next season, and while he couldn't bring his talents to Toronto, he deserves a chance to show the world why he was drafted in the first place.