Maple Leafs Prospect Topi Niemela Needs to Add 'Strength' Ahead of First Full Season in North America

"It's been fun," said the 21-year-old of his first Maple Leafs development camp.

When Niemela arrived from Finland, he was almost instantly slotted into the Marlies' top four as well as their number one power-play unit.

Niemela played 13 games in total — six in the regular season, seven in the playoffs — with the Marlies before they were eliminated by the Rochester Americans.

"I think it was very good for me. I enjoyed it a lot and there's a lot of good things," Niemela said, "and it's much easier to go now."

The 21-year-old was stapled to Jordie Benn during his 11-game stint with the Marlies. A good opportunity for a rookie in North America to learn what is needed to be a good defenseman at multiple levels.

"He’s much older and played, like, 500-600 games in NHL," Niemela said back in April. "It’s fun to play with him, it’s so easy, and he make me look better."

There's another level that Niemela will need to get to next season, though. He has the ability to move the puck up-ice incredibly well, and he has the offensive capabilities.

But can he become stronger in his own end? That's the big question.

The five-foot-11 defenseman looked like he could hold his own at times, but as a prospect, there's always room to grow and get better, especially at the AHL level.

"I need to be more physical and stronger and defence better, I think so," Niemela said.

Maple Leafs Assistant GM, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser agrees.

"Coming to the Marlies, he talked about the ability to get up the ice and make plays, and we all know he's an elite playmaker, he makes a great first pass." She said. "He was able to contribute on the power play and step in pretty effectively with the top-four defense with the Marlies. 

"So, I think for him again, it comes down to very similar to Roni (Hirvonen), is they play a lot, they skate a lot, but the next step for them will be their physical conditioning and strength, to be able to win retrievals on pucks and handle the contact and physical play that comes with the American Hockey League level."

There's a lot of learning at Maple Leafs development camp, but one thing the prospects have been encouraged to do is steal tidbits from other players, whether it be shooting, skating, or skills.

Niemela, obviously, has a lot that can be stolen from him. But as a defenseman, there's always more to learn.

"Some guys are skating so well," The 21-year-old said. "So, it's fun to see how they're skating and play one against one against defensemen."

What I've learned is that Niemela wants to improve his skating, while also getting bigger in the gym and being more physical on the ice. With nearly three months until the next season begins, the 21-year-old could improve significantly.

He already plays with a lot of snarl, but adding muscle to that frame could allow Niemela to have a very strong first season in North America.

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