Toronto Maple Leafs sign American college free agent defenceman
The Toronto Maple Leafs are welcoming a late-season addition to their organization.
Today, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Leafs are signing defenceman John Prokop to an entry-level deal.
Prokop, a free agent who previously went to the Vegas Golden Knights development camp, is a 23-year-old from Wausau, Wisconsin, who went undrafted in the NHL. He wrapped up a three-year career at Union College.
He fancies himself as a two-way defenceman.
“My offense carries itself. A lot of people look at the offense on how to gauge a player but defense comes to mind too,” Prokop said in a 2024 interview with Sean Martin of the Times Union. “Defense leads to offense when you are able to turn over pucks and turn over other guys. Your offense can get out in transition.”
In 36 games this season, Prokop has 27 points by way of eight goals and 19 assists.
“With every shift, whether it is offense or defense, [I’m trying to do] the little things and bringing that to the table. Every time you step on the ice, practice, the workout room, you name it and I think that is a big part of how I carry myself,” Prokop added.
Prokop is eligible to suit up for the Leafs once officially signed, but could also see some time with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies in order to get his feet wet at the professional level. It is not yet clear how exactly the Leafs see him slotting into their future, but we should get some clarity on that in the coming days.
- You might also like:
- Former NHL player dead at 45 after tragic ski accident