LD Markus Niemeläinen - Saginaw Spirit, OHL (2016, 63rd, EDM)

[perstakli]

Preseason in Finland starts next Monday ( 1st August) and there's nothing new of situation where Markus Niemeläinen plays upcoming season.
Is he HIFK's player as eliteprospect.com says or is he Saginaw's player or is he going to play Bakersfield ( Edmonton's AHL affiliate.) what's the official truth?

At least he's not listed on the roster for HIFK for the traditional first preseason tournament.

As for OHL or Liiga - with HIFK's current roster, he could easily be playing in the first pairing against top competition quite quickly if he plays well. That probably would be better than playing in the OHL, but getting stuck as the #7 D-man bouncing between Mestis and Liiga probably wouldn't. A tough decision for him either way.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

At least he's not listed on the roster for HIFK for the traditional first preseason tournament.

As for OHL or Liiga - with HIFK's current roster, he could easily be playing in the first pairing against top competition quite quickly if he plays well. That probably would be better than playing in the OHL, but getting stuck as the #7 D-man bouncing between Mestis and Liiga probably wouldn't. A tough decision for him either way.

That Niemeläinen isn't HIFK's roster in Rauma preseason tournament gives a signal Niemeläinen is staying to Saginaw.

 

[ProspectsFanatic]

Anyone watch him play this season? Liked his speed and poise with the puck in the wjc18 for 6'6 defenseman. What happened to is offensive game this season? Only 22-0-2-2.

 

[BarDownBobo]

Anyone watch him play this season? Liked his speed and poise with the puck in the wjc18 for 6'6 defenseman. What happened to is offensive game this season? Only 22-0-2-2.

I haven't seen him play since camp in Edmonton (where he was very good) but I've seen some reports that he's been used in more of a shutdown role this year with Saginaw. The Oilers recently published a piece on his play this year that includes some quotes from his coach that should give a better idea on his play this year: https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/fut...ng-smart-not-flashy/c-284471680?tid=277567784

 

[Brock]

I haven't seen him play since camp in Edmonton (where he was very good) but I've seen some reports that he's been used in more of a shutdown role this year with Saginaw.

Correct. He's been partnered mostly with Hronek and has been asked to play the safe, defensive first role in order to give Hronek offensive freedom.

 

[Kingpin794]

Correct. He's been partnered mostly with Hronek and has been asked to play the safe, defensive first role in order to give Hronek offensive freedom.

We'll have to see if they stick with that pairing or if they want to keep playing Hronek with Middleton instead. They've played very well with each other since Nemo went out. Plus with Proner out of the line up for whatever reason (rumored to have left team), he could be asked to be a bit more of a puck mover when he gets back.