I wasn’t kidding a couple months ago when I said I’d rather see Niemela on the ice then Holl. I watched almost every game of Topi’s this year, he’s legit and although he’s not physically mature yet, I think there could be a role for him as a #6 or top pairing for Marlies come October.
He’s much closer then people give him credit for, and I also have been wondering if he’ll surprise the org in camp. He has a superb hockey mind and that alone will get him far. Just needs a bit more mass on that frame.
I agree though that it would be a really difficult situation with 3 young defenders on the NHL roster needing minutes. Not sure of a solution, but we can’t ignore a talent like that if he proves to be a legit top 6 option in training camp. I’d imagine Muzz, Sandin, or Holl will be shipped out regardless, before we see what he’s got.