Mikko Kokkonen

Mikko Kokkonen (born 18 January 2001) is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing with the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect under contract to the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected 84th overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing career
Kokkonen played as a youth within hometown club, Mikkelin Jukurit, before becoming the youngest player in history to play in the Liiga during the 2016–17 season. Following his selection by the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the third-round, 84th overall, in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Kokkonen continued his development with Jukurit, appearing in 39 regular season games and collected 3 goals and 10 points in the 2019–20 season.

In his fifth year in the Liiga during the 2020–21 season, Kokkonen was selected as an alternate captain for Jukurit. He made 50 appearances with Jukurit, adding 1 goal and 10 points. In order to extend his 2020–21 season, Kokkonen agreed to join the Toronto Maple Leafs American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, for the remainder of the campaign on 16 April 2021. He played in 11 games with the Marlies, scoring one goal and seven points.

On 15 April 2021, Kokkonen opted to leave his hometown club, furthering his development by agreeing to a two-year contract with fellow Liiga club, the Lahti Pelicans. He played in 58 games for Lahti, registering one goal and 15 points.

On 31 March 2022, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced they had signed Kokkonen to a three-year, entry-level contract, beginning in the season. For the 2022–23 season Kokkonen was assigned first to the Marlies, and then to Toronto's ECHL affiliate, the Newfoundland Growlers. Kokkonen attended the Maple Leafs 2023 training camp and was one of the last players the Maple Leafs assigned to the Marlies to start the 2023–24 season.

International play
Kokkonen represented Finland at two World Junior Championships; the first in 2020 and the second in 2021, winning the bronze medal in the latter. Over 14 games, Kokkonen scored two goals and three points.

Personal life
He is from the city of Mikkeli.