World Juniors Leafs prospect profile: Topi Niemelä
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EvanDecember 20, 2021 (3:14 PM)
Topi Niemelä is a Finnish force playing in his third professional Liiga season with Kärpät. While also being on the Finnish world junior team all 3 years as well.
Niemelä is a highly touted Leafs prospect that was selected 64th overall by the Leafs in the 3rd round of the 2020 NHL entry draft. His right-hand shot and offensive abilities have impressed fans and scouts alike.
Currently, Niemelä ranks 9th in league scoring and second in team scoring. Putting up 6 goals and 18 assists for 24 total points in 31 Games played. Since a top-end, right-shot offensive defenseman is a luxury that most teams don't have, Leafs fans have been salivating over Niemelä's development. His skill and eye for the game continues to impress, especially when pulling moves like this regularly.
Nice look at #Leafs prospect Topi Niemela's primary assist today: pic.twitter.com/bi6NRT5XIw� Josh Simpson (@joshsimpson77) November 21, 2020
Niemelä has been named an assistant captain of the 2021 Finnish world junior team. The Leafs not only managed to draft a skilled player but a leader as well. Alongside Leafs prospect and Finnish captain, Roni Hirvonen, Finland will be must watch for Leafs fans.
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