SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Junior defenseman John Prokop signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs beginning in the 2025-26 season, the Leafs announced on Thursday.

"Union has been a home to me for the past three years," said Prokop. "I can't thank my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone else who has helped me over my time here. I'm excited to join the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and cannot wait to get started!"

Prokop will report to the Toronto Marlies (AHL) for the remainder of this season on an amateur tryout.

"I am extremely proud of John for earning this incredible opportunity with the Toronto Maple Leafs," said head coach Josh Hauge. "His dedication, work ethic, and growth as a player have been nothing short of impressive. Watching him develop over the last three years has been a privilege, and I'm excited to see him take this next step in his career. He's ready for the challenges ahead, and I have no doubt he will make a significant impact with the Leafs. This is just the beginning of an exciting journey for him."  

The Wausau, Wis. native skated in 107 games in his NCAA career with 85 points (20-65-80), eight power-play markers, and four game-winning goals. This past season, he recorded 27 points (8-19-27) in 36 games.

A 2023-24 AHCA All-America East Second Team Honoree, Prokop is 10th in Union's Division I career assists record book with 65. Among Union defenders, Prokop finishes fourth in career scoring, tied for fifth in career goals, fourth in career assists, second in single-season points, tied for second in single-season goals, and tied for second in single-season assists.

Prokop, an ECAC Hockey Third Team selection this season, was recognized as a unanimous ECAC Hockey First Team honoree last year and a member of the All-Rookie Team in the 2022-23 campaign. Prokop was an AHCA All-America East Second Team Honoree last year was the conference's defender of the month twice, defender of the week four times, and rookie of the week twice in his three-year career.