Brad Treliving's Key Trade Asset for Securing Help at Center Revealed
Brad Treliving may have a potential trade asset for the Maple Leafs in the search for a top center who hasn't found his footing yet in defenseman Topi Niemala.
Niemela, a third round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, 64th overall, has been a top prospect for a few years now with Toronto in their system, but has struggled to get opportunities in recent years.
It's mainly due to the Leafs defensive depth in their consistent veteran additions that have made calling up rookie defenders like Niemela unnecessary.
Niemela was a scratch a little over a week ago for the Toronto Marlies, being pushed out of the lineup by both veterans and fellow prospects as the Finnish defenseman found himself a healthy scratch.
Once again, Niemela did not play in the Marlies most recent game against the Hershey Bears, adding to further questions if Niemela is dealing with some sort of injury, or if there is just simply a coaching decision that has led to Niemela to be in the dog house.
With Niemela out of the lineup, this could be an opportunity for Brad Treliving to use him as a trade chip.
Could Topi Niemela Be the Maple Leafs Next Trade Piece For An NHLer?
If it's that Topi Niemela is not playing for the Marlies because they don't have a fit for him in the lineup, there could be the possibility it's best for everyone involved to move him.
With the Leafs needing both a top center and an NHL defenseman, Niemela could be on the way out of town.
Although Niemela has been a top prospect for a few years, teams may be hesitant to deal an NHL player out for someone if he's being healthy scratched in the minors, regardless of promise and his inability to impress management enough to earn a spot might deter some.
Niemala is still only 22 and is one of the youngest players on the Marlies, but leads all defensemen in team scoring with 10 points in 20 games.
So on points alone it's hard to see Niemela's absence being the result of talent level, as he is a decent defensive defenseman as well.
There's likely a reason for Niemela not being in the lineup, whether it's a demotion or just letting him figure out the North American game from the sidelines, only being in his second full season in the AHL since coming over from Finland.
European defensemen take a lot longer to hit their stride and adapt to the smaller North American style of ice, even if they are top prospects.
Recent examples include David Jiricek, the 2022 sixth overall pick who was recently traded to the Minnesota Wild from the Columbus Blue Jackets due to a lack of ice time.
Simon Nemec, taken second overall in 2022, is still in the AHL with Utica while the New Jersey Devils give him time. Recent top defensemen who had long waits to the NHL include Simon Edvinsson, Philip Broberg, & former Leaf Rasmus Sandin who is now flourishing with Washington.
It's not known why Niemela isn't in the lineup, and it's not over production. Him not being around shouldn't be an indication that something is happening in regards to his future.
But in terms of his future with the team, Niemela has had to wait his turn, and if he wants out, he's a valuable asset for the top forward Brad Treliving and the Toronto Maple Leafs desperately need.
