Maple Leafs prospect Topi Niemela reportedly signs 1-year deal in Sweden

Niemela was selected in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft, 64th overall, and was selected for his hockey IQ and defensive instincts despite his lack of size at 6-foot and 181 pounds. While the year after he was drafted was plagued by injuries, with only 15 games played, the year after saw an explosive breakout year. He scored ten goals and added 32 points in 48 games in 2021-22, which was enough to earn him a look with the Toronto Marlies at the end of their regular season and in the playoffs, where he succeeded with five points in seven games despite the early exit.

He returned to Finland for one more year where his offensive totals dipped before he was brought over to North America. He played two full seasons in the AHL with the Marlies, and after putting up 39 points in 68 games for them in 2023-24, there was hope that he might be able to make a jump in 2024-25. But, whether it was a misfit in Craig Berube’s system or a stall in his development, likely both, it didn’t work out for Niemela in 2024-25. He saw his offensive totals dip with the Marlies, with only two goals and 22 points in 61 games.

It makes sense that Niemela is headed back to Europe, where he was clearly more experienced and comfortable with the size of the ice over there, and he’ll look to get his career back on track with hopes of potentially finding an NHL job next season. It’s possible that the Leafs could bring him back after this season, considering they have his rights until 2029, but it’s unknown whether his path for development will work out in the GTA.