Shortly after Chayka said defense is the priority a Maple Leafs defensive prospect signed in Sweden instead
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
A Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman has found a new career path with a sudden signing in Sweden.
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect defenseman Topi Niemelä has signed with Swedish club Björklöven, the team announced.
Niemelä, 24, signed with Swedish Hockey League club Malmö last season after having spent the last three season in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies.
A right-shot defenseman, Niemelä had four goals, 14 assists, & 18 points in 52 games this season for Malmö, second in team scoring among defenders.
Björklöven was promoted to the top flight SHL after winning first place in the second tier HockeyAllsvenskan, the club's first time in Sweden's top league under the SHL name.
With his fine mobility and high basic level of play, he already has many qualities in place - and with an SHL season behind him, we believe that Topi can take further steps in his development and take on an important role in our team next season. - Per Kenttä, Björklöven GM
Niemelä is 24 years old with SHL experience and a right shot defenseman profile and the Maple Leafs just let that walk to Sweden
There was some speculation when Niemelä left for the SHL last season that the move could be a temporary one to give the youngster more ice time, now looking like it could be on a more permanent basis.
Drafted 64th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2021 NHL Draft, Niemelä was a consistent offensive performer on the blueline in his native Finland for hometown club Kärpät, but never translating his game to the pro level enough with the Marlies to warrant an NHL look.
Having become one of the Leafs more promising prospects over the last few years, Niemelä's game struggled to advance the tools necessary to fill a depth role on Toronto's roster.
Lacking ice time in the AHL, Niemelä moved to Sweden for a larger opportunity, although it may be that his time for an NHL shot is now on shaky ground.
A prospect choosing Sweden over Toronto raises questions about what the Maple Leafs are offering their pipeline players
Topi Niemelä is still signed to the Leafs reserve list until 2029, meaning that Toronto can keep him in their system until then, but it isn't looking certain that Niemelä will be back soon.
New GM John Chayka spoke during his introductory press conference on the need to add more defense, but it doesn't appear those plans will include Niemelä, who may go from former potential top prospect to a trade chip, or someone who runs out his NHL contract in Europe.
Niemelä isn't the only youngster who faced struggles for ice time. Fellow European Roni Hirvonen, taken five spots earlier in the 2021 Draft at 59th, left the Marlies last season for Finland, but had a more productive season with 52 points in 57 games for Karpat, potentially warranting a second AHL look.
Defenseman William Villeneuve was another RHD who struggled to take his game from the AHL level to the NHL, only late in the season did he get his long awaited NHL debut, yet his outlook at the top level remains a mystery.
Topi Niemelä will get another shot in the SHL to work his way back into the minds of NHL pro scouts, with a new GM able to give a fresh evaluation to one of Toronto's forgotten prospects.
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