Top Defensive Prospect Reveals Why He Chose to Sign with the Leafs Over Other Interested Teams

As the NCAA's regular season and divisional championships wrapped up last week, it meant that there were a number of undrafted players that had a life-changing decision to make. Sign a professional contract in the AHL, ECHL or NHL, or returning to their schools for another season.

For the offensively talented defenseman Prokop, it wasn't a matter of going back to school or not, but rather which NHL club would he sign with. The 23-year-old Wisconsin native ultimately decided to sign with the Leafs last Thursday and took part in his first practice with the Toronto Marlies on Wednesday.

Prokop wasn't the only new addition at practice yesterday, as NCAA standout forward Luke Haymes also joined fresh off signing his contract with the Leafs.

After their first pro practice, both were asked why they chose to sign with the Leafs over other organizations. While Haymes chose to sign due to the developmental and playing opportunities, Prokop decided to join the blue and white for a different reason -- the city's unrivaled passion for hockey.

The 6'3 Prokop has racked up 85 points across 105 games with Union College over three seasons, including 27 points in 36 games this past year.

At 185 pounds, he could still add some more size to his frame, but that shouldn't be an issue now that he is working with the Leafs' development staff.

As Leafs GM Brad Treliving continues to turn over the prospect pool from small, skilled players to bigger, more physical ones, adding a player with Prokop's size and skillset to the back end will provide the Leafs and Marlies with some offensive punch from the blueline.