Toronto Maple Leafs could be hiding a defensive gem in plain sight

Kokkonen, a 3rd round pick (84th overall) for the Maple Leafs in 2019 is not someone who is going to light up the lamp or provide a huge name value but what he offers on the ice should entice Leafs Nation.

Ryan Ma, a junior prospect analyst who is known on X for his player cards which break down prospects and shows their ceiling, potential, player comparison; as well as a thorough description of their playstyle and how they could factor into an NHL lineup. Ma posted his report of Mikko Kokkonen on X and this is what he has to say:

The tier system Ma is referring to is how he ranks the prospects based on their projected role in the NHL; whether it be an elite goaltender or someone destined for Europe. Kokkonen rates at a Tier 5 player meaning in Ma's eyes he is a fringe NHL player who could possibly see minutes as a depth piece, such as a 7th defender though his upside and IQ has his ceiling actually projected to be a 3rd pairing defenseman.

It seems Toronto has also learned from their previous mistakes as they are taking the time with the 23-year old as opposed to pushing him into high pressure situations right off the bat notes Ma:

"Toronto's done well to let him mature and grow his game instead of rushing him into the NHL the way they had to with a Travis Dermott."

Positive signs for Leafs Nation as their bad habit of trading away prospective defenseman for short-term rentals or flash in the pan projects that fizzle out seems to becoming more and more a relic of the past. Kokkonen is not the biggest guy, only coming in at 6'0, 200 pounds but his ability to be a puck-mover who is rarely feeling pressured by a forecheck and helps dictate the pace of the game cannot be overlooked.

Ma writes:

"He's a high level processer, an underrated puck mover and his decision making was sharp and was rarely flustered by pressure...but he's strong and he's not afraid to get into scrums."

Kokkonen also draws a comparison to Brett Kulak, a stay at home defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers who often provides sound defensive acumen while also chipping in a bit on the scoresheet. Kulak also is known to drop the gloves a few times, something that Maple Leafs fans hope Kokkonen can emulate.

Ma also speculates that if Kokkonen can emulate Kulak's current output, that he would blow his projections out of the water which is exciting news for a supposed depth piece.

"If Kokkonen can be anything like Kulak has been in the NHL, he will outdo my current 7th defenseman/bottom pair projection by a country mile. Kulak may be a 3rd Pair D but he's the Rolls Royce of 3rd Pair Defenseman."

Although the credentials and talent are clearly there, it's the current defensive situation in Toronto that may cause some issues for Kokkonen going forward. A left-handed shot is going to have a tough time in Toronto currently with Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Simon Benoit, and towering defenseman Cade Webber. If he can use his IQ and playmaking ability to help the Marlies gain some momentum this year, it could lead to a callup sooner than later.

Previously on MapleLeafsLatest

Former Maple Leafs Ilya Samsonov ready for new chapter in the Western Conference

Maple Leafs may have darkhorse prospect ready for the NHL

Maple Leafs prospect Mike Koster still unsigned as deadline looms

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11 AOUT \| 67 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs could be hiding a defensive gem in plain sight How many games will Mikko Kokkonen play for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season?
0-5	30	44.8 %
10-20	29	43.3 %
30-50	7	10.4 %
All 82	1	1.5 %
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