AXEL RINDELL, MIKKO KOKKONEN ASSIGNED TO GROWLERS

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland Growlers, ECHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced today that defensemen Axel Rindell and Mikko Kokkonen have been assigned to the club by the Toronto Marlies (AHL).

Rindell, 22, made his North American professional debut with the Growlers last week while on a Conditioning Loan from the Marlies. The 177th pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft made an immediate impact in his two games played, scoring two goals and adding an assist. He re-joins Newfoundland for the duration of their road trip to complete his conditioning assignment.

Kokkonen, 21, is a 3rd round pick, 84th overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. A native of Mikkeli, Finland, Kokkonen played last season in his native Finland, recording one goal and 14 assists in 58 games played for the Pelicans in SM-liiga.

He played the 2020-21 season with the AHL Marlies and recorded seven points (1G, 6A), in just 11 games played.

Kokkonen represented his country at the World Junior Hockey Championship in both 2020 and 2021, appearing in 14 total games, scoring two goals and adding one assist. In the 2021 tournament, he helped lead Finland to a bronze medal and was named a Top Three player on his team.

Rindell and Kokkonen will both be in action tonight as the Growlers take on the Worcester Railers at the DCU Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05pm ET (8:35pm NT).