Top Toronto Maple Leafs Defensive Prospect Reportedly Abandoning the Franchise Imminently
Toronto Maple Leafs defensive prospect Topi Niemela has been pretty solid in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies, however, it appears as though Europe is his future.
22-year-old Finnish defenseman Topi Niemela was supposed to be the future of the Maple Leafs defensive core as he was the team's third-round draft pick back in 2020.
He is a puck-moving defenseman who can rack up points, even if he hasn't scored a single goal in 46 games with the Toronto Marlies this season. He at least has 18 assists to show for it.
Topi Niemela leaving the Toronto Marlies
Unfortunately for Niemela, other defenseman within the Toronto Maple Leafs system have overtaken him, including Marshall Rifai and Philippe Myers.
Niemela has yet to be called up to the Leafs and there has been no indication that such an opportunity is coming anytime soon.
With that being said, it should come as absolutely no surprise that he is exploring opportunities elsewhere throughout the hockey world.
In fact, it was reported today that the defenseman is going to be leaving the Marlies to play for Lulea in the Swedish Hockey League.
At the time of writing this, there is still no telling what the terms of this new deal are and when Topi Niemela is going to be leaving the Marlies officially.
For instance, we don't know if this is a simple loan or if he is going to be waived and then abandon the AHL completely for a career overseas.
Either way, this is not the news the Maple Leafs were hoping for today, especially as they gear up for what should be a hectic week ahead of the NHL trade deadline.
Not to mention, Niemela was a potential trade piece they could have dangled in front of opposing teams and now, they cannot do that anymore.
Only time will tell if the defenseman is able to remain with the franchise moving forward or if this is a permanent career decision.
