Prospect Info: Topi Niemela what do you guys think?

[facelessjoe1990]

I thought he was known for his defence when he was drafted. Somebody said that his defence was better when he was drafted than his offence.
Now his offence is taking off.

 

[acrobaticgoalie]

I thought he was known for his defence when he was drafted. Somebody said that his defence was better when he was drafted than his offence.
Now his offence is taking off.

I think he was always known for being a 2 way, transitional D man. If I had to guess, I would say it comes down to him being a boy in a men's pro league his draft year and with increased usage in the last 2 years since being drafted, he has gained confidence and the offense is starting to shine. The skating ability, vision and shot were already there.

 

[darrylsittler27]

I'm wondering where he plays next year?

 

[mallory67]

27 points in 38 games in Liiga? As a 19 year old D? Yes please.

 

[justashadowof]

Not saying it's happening but he's the type of prospect who comes to his first NHL camp and forces the team to keep him on the NHL roster. Remember that he plays the right side.

 

[Dayjobdave]

You never know until we see him against NHLers but I am excited that he can be a real contributor

 

[al secord]

I would.

 

[Ciao]

I think he's a definite maybe.

Let's wait and see.

 

[Zonk]

Niemela has developed into a two-way defensive prospect. Several posters asked about the scouting reports for Niemela at the time of the draft. Here is what the Leafs Director of Scouting said at that time:
Director of Amateur Scouting John Lilley on Topi Niemela

Another guy at Karpat that we took. He is a 5’11.5 defenseman. He is a really good defender. He is really quick to close gaps and take away time and space. Again, last year, as a 17-year-old, he played in the Finnish elite league and was excellent at defending. He is a first-pass guy — not necessarily going to go on your power play, but really good at defending. Good instincts. Again, not the biggest guy, so he’s not overly physical at this time — just because he is playing against men as a young kid — but he’s very smart defensively. For us, he has some of the best defensive instincts in the entire draft.


There is more detail at:
https://mapleleafshotstove.com/2020...64th-overall-selection-in-the-2020-nhl-draft/​