Michael Kostka

Michael Kostka
Kostka as a Ranger in October 2014.
Born	(1985-11-28) November 28, 1985 (age 31) Ajax, ON, CAN
Height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight	210 lb (95 kg; 15 st 0 lb)
Position	Defence
Shoots	Right
NHL team (P) Cur. team Former teams	Calgary Flames  (AHL) Toronto Maple Leafs Chicago Blackhawks Tampa Bay Lightning New York Rangers Ottawa Senators
NHL Draft	Undrafted
Playing career	2008–present

Michael Christopher Kostka (born November 28, 1985) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently playing with the in the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Calgary Flames organization of the National Hockey League (NHL).

After playing four seasons at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, he was signed to a professional contract by the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League on March 25, 2008. He was assigned to the organization's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate (at the time), the Rochester Americans. In his second professional season he moved with the Sabres to their new AHL affiliate, the Portland Pirates.

Kostka returned to the Rochester Americans, now the Florida Panther affiliate for the 2010–11 season on August 24, 2010. On June 30, 2011, Kostka signed a two-way contract with the Florida Panthers and was assigned again to the Americans. On December 2, 2011, Kostka was traded by the Panthers, along with Evan Oberg, to the Tampa Bay Lightning for James Wright and Mike Vernace. Kostka joined the Lightning's AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals and was a part of their Calder Cup championship.

On July 1, 2012, Kostka was signed as a free agent to a one-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kostka got his first NHL point in his debut NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens on January 19, 2013. Kostka split the season with the Maple Leafs and their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.