LHD- Teemu Kivihalme, 6’0 180
AHL (GP; 43, G; 3, A; 11, PTS;14)
Like Lindgren, this season has also been relatively quiet for Teemu Kivihalme. What is encouraging, despite the low point totals, is Teemu being played in the Marlies’ top pairing. This may be due to the fact that Rasmus Sandin, Liljegren and Marincin are with the Leafs, but it shows that management trusts Kivihalme.
I like his overall game and what he brings to the Leafs organization, but he’s another left handed defenceman. Perhaps management sees something in Teemu, but for now, I don’t see much of a future for him on the Leafs.
What is interesting to note, Kivihalme is apart of a Finnish wave of defenders that management has brought into the organization over the past year. Kivihalme, along with Mikko Kokonen and Kalle Loponen have all been brought in this past year.
ETA; To be quite honest, I don’t think Kivihalme has much of a shot, cracking the Leafs at this point in time. Teemu could be an emergency call up at times, but I’m not sure about his long term future.
Scouting report; A dependable, puck moving d-man, who is capable of eating up important minutes for the Marlies.