WORLD JUNIORS STANDOUT AND LEAFS PROSPECT TOPI NIEMELÄ EXPECTED TO MISS WEEKS FOR KÄRPÄT
2021 IIHF World Junior Championship tournament standout and Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Topi Niemelä has been ruled out for the next 3-4 weeks by Kärpät for an undisclosed reason, per Elite Prospects Finland-based scout Lassi Alanen.
Wednesday's announcement is a disappointing one for both Niemelä's SM-liiga squad and Maple Leafs fans who are tracking his progression following his impressive WJC performance where he earned Best Defenseman of the Tournament honors earlier this month.
Niemelä and Team Finland took home the bronze medal in the tournament, knocking off both the Swedes to make the medal round and the Russians to secure the bronze. The 18-year-old blueliner racked up 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points in just 7 games, while finishing the tournament with just 6 penalty minutes, as a +4.
The Oulu, Finland native was drafted by the Leafs in the 3rd round of the 2020 NHL entry draft. In 9 games with Kärpät, Niemelä has tallied 3 assists thus far, and looked poised to take a big leap forward after his spectacular WJC.
Wednesday's announcement is a disappointing one for both Niemelä's SM-liiga squad and Maple Leafs fans who are tracking his progression following his impressive WJC performance where he earned Best Defenseman of the Tournament honors earlier this month.
Niemelä and Team Finland took home the bronze medal in the tournament, knocking off both the Swedes to make the medal round and the Russians to secure the bronze. The 18-year-old blueliner racked up 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points in just 7 games, while finishing the tournament with just 6 penalty minutes, as a +4.
The Oulu, Finland native was drafted by the Leafs in the 3rd round of the 2020 NHL entry draft. In 9 games with Kärpät, Niemelä has tallied 3 assists thus far, and looked poised to take a big leap forward after his spectacular WJC.
|
MIKE ARMENTI
JANUARY 13, 2021 (14H10) |
