guest post : i think Topi Niemelä has a legit chance to become your 1D in the near future

[Artorius Horus T]

might be a biased thought (i'm a Finn too), but, that's what i think.

Topi has developed well each year (yes, even his last season in Finland),
fyi Kärpät had an awful season (and this season has not gone any better,
they just fired their head coach). - its been a shit show there after they brought back
Marjamäki

has improved a lot since he was drafted, grown taller too and gained muscle
i hope you guys don't trade him or anything and give him a fair shake
he'll be great for you! 1D one day.

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[Jojalu]

might be a biased thought (i'm a Finn too), but, that's what i think.

Topi has developed well each year (yes, even his last season in Finland),
fyi Kärpät had an awful season (and this season has not gone any better,
they just fired their head coach). - its been a shit show there after they brought back
Marjamäki

has improved a lot since he was drafted, grown taller too and gained muscle
i hope you guys don't trade him or anything and give him a fair shake
he'll be great for you! 1D one day.

I appreciate your optimism.

 

[darrylsittler27]

might be a biased thought (i'm a Finn too), but, that's what i think.

Topi has developed well each year (yes, even his last season in Finland),
fyi Kärpät had an awful season (and this season has not gone any better,
they just fired their head coach). - its been a shit show there after they brought back
Marjamäki

has improved a lot since he was drafted, grown taller too and gained muscle
i hope you guys don't trade him or anything and give him a fair shake
he'll be great for you! 1D one day.

I doubt we trade him. We have an old defense with no other D prospects. The Leafs have always loved no defense. You outscore the other team to win cups! Whoops

 

[Jacquestrapless]

You have any player comparisons, op?

One article I read mentioned Alex Goligoski. Not a 1D, but still solid top 4.

 

[Artorius Horus T]

You have any player comparisons, op?

One article I read mentioned Alex Goligoski. Not a 1D, but still solid top 4.

taller version of Brian Rafalski

 

[mistaclick]

He’ll need to grow leaps and bounds defensively/physically to become even a top-4 D as it stands today. I like his IQ and puck skills, he’s proven he can play with the puck. I’m wondering how he can develop without it. I still think top-4 is possible but right now I really doubt he’ll be a top pairing guy. Coming from someone who watched almost every game of his record breaking Liiga season

 

[MSZ]

taller version of Brian Rafalski

What a career Rafalski had in the NHL. He was a force during NJ and Detroit's cup runs.

 

[I am Canadian]

I don't get the sense that he has the defensive capabilities to become a #1 D, but a solid #4 I would very much enjoy.

Also, we have super knowledgeable people in our pinned prospect thread that would be able to give you better discussion points with this!

 

[Leaf Rocket]

I truly hope so

 

[AuraSphere]

This is dreamful - he is hardly top 4 let alone top pairing. Can he develop and surprise - sure. Is it likely - not in the slightest.

Don't let AHL production get to you.

 

[Maple Leaf]

might be a biased thought (i'm a Finn too), but, that's what i think.

Topi has developed well each year (yes, even his last season in Finland),
fyi Kärpät had an awful season (and this season has not gone any better,
they just fired their head coach). - its been a shit show there after they brought back
Marjamäki

has improved a lot since he was drafted, grown taller too and gained muscle
i hope you guys don't trade him or anything and give him a fair shake
he'll be great for you! 1D one day.

The laws of hospitality are as old as the First Men, and sacred as a heart tree … Here you are the guest, and safe from harm at my hands ... this night, at least.

 

[keonsbitterness]

I think 2nd pair is possible, but too soon to tell.