Editor In Leaf
Fansided

Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect Readiness Rankings

By Jeremy Ridgewell

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 13: Nick Robertson #89 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 13, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Flames defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 13: Nick Robertson #89 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 13, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Flames defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 8
Next
Toronto Maple Leafs prospects
(Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

Joseph Woll

if there is one type of prospect that takes longer to develop than a defenseman, it’s a goaltender. Joseph Woll was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round of the 2016 NHL entry draft with the 62nd overall pick.

After being drafted, Woll spent three seasons playing for Boston College in the NCAA.  While playing at Boston College, Woll posted good numbers in both his GAA and his SV%. (GAA: 2.64/2.48/2.41) (SV%: .913/.915/.919)

Woll has spent the last two seasons playing for the Toronto Marlies in the AHL. In his first AHL season, Woll posted a 3.75 GAA and a .880 SV% in 32 games. During his second season with the Marlies, Woll played 15 games and posted a 3.54 GAA and a .892 SV%.

It is good to see that his numbers were slightly better during his 2020-21 season than they were the previous season, but they will have be even better if he is going to make the jump to the NHL.

Prediction: NHL ready by 2022-23 Season

Topi Niemela

Topi Niemela is the second defenseman on this list. He is a two-way right shooting defenseman who plays smart in his own zone. Niemela was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round of the 2020 NHL draft with the 64th overall pick.

The 19-year-old will be playing in his first full season with Karpat in Liiga (Finnish Elite League) this season. He is not expected to put up big numbers as he only joins the rush when he knows he won’t get caught out of place.

Niemela can produce when needed as he showcased at the 2020 World Junior Championships. He recorded two goals and six assists for eight points in seven games for Team Finland.

Prediction: NHL ready by 2023-24 season

Home/Analysis