Maple Leafs draft Topi Niemela 64th overall
The Toronto Maple Leafs took defenseman Topi Niemela with the 64th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.
Topi Niemela
Position: Defense
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 163 lbs
Age: 18
Club: Karpat
Nationality: Finnish
| GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43 | 1 | 6 | 7 |
(Stats courtesy: Eliteprospects.com)
Niemela isn't the most tantalizing player, but his steady defensive game has allowed him to play a meaningful role for one of the top clubs in Finland at just 18 years of age. He's able to move the puck effectively and may carve out a role on the power play in the NHL if he can bring his offensive game up another level.
What they're saying
"The right-handed shot (5-10, 156) offers a calming presence in all situations and plays a simple, effective game. Niemela scored seven points (one goal, six assists), was plus-4, and had 100 shots on goal in 43 games while averaging 12:51 in ice time in Liiga, the top professional men's league in Finland," NHL.com's Mike Morreale said.
"Niemela stuck as a regular all season on one of the best teams in Liiga. He’s often played ahead of his age group the past few years. Niemela may not be a very flashy player, but he is a play-driver. He’s a very smart puck-mover who makes a lot of clever zone exits. He has good mobility and skill to evade pressure and make some plays in open ice, but his brain drives his value," said The Athletic's Corey Pronman.