After a stunning performance during the rookie games against the Canadiens, Maple Leafs’ defensive prospect Topi Niemela has shown that he may be NHL ready.
As one of the bright spots on the back end for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Topi Niemela just had himself a fantastic weekend against the Canadiens’ rookies, as he potted 5 assists and made some spectacular plays defensively.
The prospect games showed a lot of promise from both sides but Niemela certainly stood out above the rest. He looked great not only on the offensive side of things, but he made strong defensive plays, and quarterbacked the primary power play unit very well. Everything seemed to run through him at the point and he was rewarded with a few assists, including this one of the primary variety.
Drafted in the third round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Niemela spent his junior years with Karpat out of the SM-liiga in Finland. Playing competitively against grown men, Niemela recorded 10 goals and 32 points in 48 contests in 2021-22 and then added 18 points in 58 games the following year before making the jump to the AHL with the Marlies.
After a quick 6-game stint, where he recorded 2 points, Niemela had a strong rookie campaign, where he tallied 39 points in 68 contests with the Marlies, but more importantly, he impressed a lot of the top brass as a 22-year-old.
However, on the NHL roster, the Maple Leafs have a ton of defensemen that could be in his way of finally making his NHL debut. Chris Tanev, Morgan Rielly, Jake McCabe, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson are virtual locks throughout the season and then they are followed by Timothy Liljegren, Jani Hakanpaa, Simon Benoit, and Conor Timmins.
With a strong performance against his rookie counterparts under his belt, if Niemela has a strong enough training camp, he could force the Maple Leafs into making room for him at the top-level by making a trade or two to get rid of some bodies.
Only time will tell but it’s a great sign that one of the Leafs’ budding prospects on the backend is trending in the right direction.
News
Palestine Action ‘terror’ group behind RAF Brize Norton raid ‘plots attacks on three more air bases and drone factory’
Keep scrolling for a map highlighting potential targets THE Palestine Action group behind the RAF Brize Norton raid is reportedly plotting attacks on three more air bases and a drone factory. The organisation is believed to be planning hits on…
Zion Williamson Finally Speaks Out on Shocking Allegations, Reveals Bold Response Plan
Zion Williamson Breaks Silence Over Explosive Allegations, Calls Lawsuit ‘Defamatory and Financially Motivated’ In a stunning development that has rocked the NBA world, New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson is at the center of a legal firestorm following explosive allegations…
HOT NEWS ALERT: What was in that bag? Stefon Diggs hands off a suspicious package during a wild yacht party, and social media detectives are on the case. Theories are flying—and some are downright scandalous. This moment could be more than just a party clip!
“What Was in the Pink Bag? Stefon Diggs Sparks NFL Controversy After Yacht Party with Cardi B Goes Viral” Stefon Diggs is living large—maybe too large. The New England Patriots wide receiver has never been shy about enjoying the finer…
BREAKING: Shannon Sharpe just made a career-shaking announcement while staring down a $50 million lawsuit. Fans are stunned—was it a retirement, a power move, or something darker? The timing is no coincidence, and now the internet is split: is this damage control or defiance?
Shannon Sharpe Postpones Nightcap Tour Amid $50 Million ***ual ****ult Lawsuit: What It Means for His Media Empire and Career In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the sports and entertainment world, NFL Hall of Famer…
CAUGHT RED-HANDED: A cameraman was exposed during a live women’s tennis match for zooming in from an inappropriate angle—and the moment the umpire called him out? The entire stadium gasped. Social media is in flames. Fans are demanding answers. Who let this happen… and how long has it gone on?
“BACK OFF!” Tennis Star Danielle Collins Confronts Cameraman in Fiery Courtside Clash During Strasbourg Match—Fans Divided Over How Close Is Too Close It wasn’t a racquet smash or an umpire outburst that stirred the biggest conversation at the Internationaux de…
SHOCKING RISE: From Chicago streets to the Vatican throne? Robert Prevost’s hidden past and fast climb through the church ranks will leave you stunned.
Chicago Native Becomes First American Pope, Ushering in a New Era for the Catholic Church Vatican City / Chicago – May 9, 2025 White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel this morning, signaling a monumental decision that would reverberate around…
End of content
No more pages to load
