Maple Leafs prospect graced with incredible honour ahead of the 2023-24 season

Last season, the Golden Gophers went with 3 captains in Brock Faber, Jackson LaCombe, and Jaxon Nelson. They also possessed a star-studded lineup which included Maple Leafs prospect, Matthew Knies as well as Logan Cooley, and Jimmy Snuggerud.

This year, it seems that they have changed their route yet again, declaring 2 captains (co-captains) and 2 alternates. Jaxon Nelson reprises his role as captain, alongside Maple Leafs prospect, Mike Koster. Mason Nevers and Bryce Brodzinski have been named alternates.

Koster was drafted in the 5th round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and will be entering his 4th season with the Golden Gophers. The defenseman has steadily improved over the last 3 seasons after recording 3 goals and 12 points in 37 games in 2020-21 to 3 goals and 14 points in 36 games in 2021-22 to 6 goals and 29 points in 40 games this past season.

Without Knies, Faber, and Cooley, the Golden Gophers will be looking at Snuggerud, LaCombe, Brodzinski, and Koster to lead the way with new addition Oliver Moore - 19th overall pick in the recent 2023 draft - probably set to make an immediate impact.

Congratulations goes out to Koster on this huge honour and we look forward to seeing what he can do in a leadership role throughout the season at the University of Minnesota.