Michael Kostka

Michael Christopher Kostka (born November 28, 1985) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently playing with the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Playing career
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 affiliate (at the time), the Rochester Americans. In his second professional season he moved with the Sabres to new affiliate, the Portland Pirates before returning after two years to sign with the Rochester Americans for the 2010–11 season on August 24, 2010.

On June 30, 2011, Kostka was signed to a one-year NHL contract with then Rochester affiliate, the Florida Panthers.

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.

After helping Norfolk capture the Calder Cup, on July 1, 2012, Kostka was signed as a free agent to a one-year contract by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kostka got his first NHL point in his debut NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens on January 19, 2013.

On July 19, 2013, Kostka signed as a free agent to a one-year, two way contract with the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Chicago Blackhawks. He then scored his first NHL goal against the Leafs on October 19, 2013, against Jonathan Bernier. After only nine games with the Blackhawks and approaching the last quarter of the season, on February 23, 2014, Kostka was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

After a successful stint with the Lightning, Kostka left as a free agent to sign a one-year contract with the New York Rangers on July 1, 2014.