Topi Niemela

[mj13]

With all the discussion around building the defense, was wondering what you guys thought about where we are with Niemela? Could he be a dark horse to make the team out of camp? He is 21 years old and fills a need at RD.

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[A1LeafNation]

Another offensive dman. Leafs need to get tougher and meaner.

He could see a few games and eventually displace Klingberg. I don't think 2023-24 is his year though.

 

[LeafSteel]

Too soon but a lot to like about him and his game.

 

[cyris]

Another offensive dman. Leafs need to get tougher and meaner.

He could see a few games and eventually displace Klingberg. I don't think 2023-24 is his year though.

He is more of a 2 way guy than an offensive Dman.
His size could be a bit of a problem on an already soft Dcore. But the right group could help cover for that. He is still at least a year away imo and maybe a couple.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Another offensive dman. Leafs need to get tougher and meaner.

He could see a few games and eventually displace Klingberg. I don't think 2023-24 is his year though.

Biggest misconception about him. He is actually the opposite.

He needs to bulk up a little bit but he won't be a slouch physically either. He will be one of those 6'0", 200lbs guys who can move the puck well, PP/PK, and be good at both ends.

 

[Leaf Rocket]

I don’t think he’s ready just yet but close.

 

[BertCorbeau]

Another offensive dman. Leafs need to get tougher and meaner.

He could see a few games and eventually displace Klingberg. I don't think 2023-24 is his year though.

More of a steady two way defense man than an offensive D-man

I’d expect him to step up and have a big year leading the Marlies D if he’s going to keep progressing. Dark horse to get some NHL games in as well.

 

[Fogelhund]

Another offensive dman. Leafs need to get tougher and meaner.

He could see a few games and eventually displace Klingberg. I don't think 2023-24 is his year though.

Topi isn't really an offensive D-man. At draft time, he was known for being positionally very strong defensively. He is small though, that much is for sure. He's a good skating, two way D... He's done well against bigger opponents in Europe, but that isn't the NHL for sure.

He'll need at least a year with the Marlies I'd think. Maybe he'll get in a few games.

 

[The Iceman]

Biggest misconception about him. He is actually the opposite.

He needs to bulk up a little bit but he won't be a slouch physically either. He will be one of those 6'0", 200lbs guys who can move the puck well, PP/PK, and be good at both ends.

Is he Kaberle lite?

 

[TheScandal89]

I think signing Klingberg keeps him on the Marlies for the season unless he completely dominates and shows he's physically ready now.

He had 5 points in 7 playoff games, so he adjusted pretty well on a pretty poor Marlies team. Really hope we keep this guy to see how he develops.

Him and Hirvonen are interesting future options.