Toronto Maple Leafs lose rights to two University prospects

Both young men were drafted during the Kyle Dubas era, Koster is 2019 and Miettinen in 2020, and they both had varying success at the university level.

Koster actually played with current Leafs forward Matthew Knies in 2022-23 at the university of Minnesota, while Miettinen played at St. Cloud State, which happens to be in the same state.

The Maple Leafs do have 5 contract spots remaining, with just over $1 million in cap space available, so they did have room to sign Koster and Miettinen. Leafs GM Brad Treliving has made many major changes since taking over from Dubas, and perhaps he was dissatisfied with their performances after being drafted.

Treliving could also just be playing it safe in case he has more off-season moves in mind that would immediately improve his NHL roster.

In any case, Koster and Miettinen are now free agents, and can sign an NHL or AHL with any franchise. It is a tough loss for the Leafs prospect pool, but a necessary risk to potentially improve the NHL roster for the upcoming season.

Source: Maple Leafs Daily
Maple Leafs officially lose the rights to two promising young prospects