Toronto Maple Leafs Officially Sign Free Agent Defenseman To Deal, per Source

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced the signing of college free agent John Prokop.

According to a report from Sportsnet Hockey Insider Elliotte Friedman had reported the Leafs were near the signing of John Prokop.

The Leafs announce it is a one-year contract for Prokop beginning in the 2025-26 season. Prokop will join the Toronto Marlies in the AHL for the remainder of the 2024-25 season on an amateur tryout deal.

Prokop, 23, is a defenseman with Union College. The 6'3, 190lbs LHD is in his third season with the Garnet Chargers, with eight goals, 19 assists, & 27 points this season, leading all Union defensemen in points and tied for second among ECAC defenders.

Prokop finished 10th last season in the NCAA in defensemen points with 35, tying 2024 second overall pick Artyom Levshunov.

Despite NHL interest from a number of teams, it's the Toronto Maple Leafs who win out at the chance for a late bloomer who could find the chance to carve out a potential NHL career.

John Prokop is a big, two-way defenseman who has excelled in a top role for a high-scoring Union College team.

Prokop is a capable all-around player with good skating speed and puck control who excels at quietly contributing each shift.

Prokop received NHL buzz for his play last season with Union, although a deal was not reached for the Wisconsin native..

After playing in Wisconsin's High School hockey system, Prokop bounced around in the USHL with Omaha, Muskegon, & Green Bay, before finding consistency with the Des Moines Buccaneers.

Prokop had previously been invited to Vegas Golden Knights development camp but did not sign a deal with the club.

The move is a benefit for the Toronto Maple Leafs who, although did not give up any of their top defensive prospects in Ben Danford & Topi Niemela, still needed some depth on the left-hand side and will get help in that area for this season.