The Toronto Maple Leafs have three prospects in the World Junior Championship later this month.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will send top prospects Matthew Knies (USA), Roni Hirvonen and Topi Niemela (Finland).
Matthews Knies has not signed his entry-level contract yet as he has chosen to return to the University of Minnesota this fall. The hope is that he has a strong season and can join the Leafs around the trade deadline.
Hirvonen and Niemela will be looking to win an NHL job in training camp, but will most likely end up on Marlies for the 2022-23 season. Barring an unexpected NHL job this October, It will be the first season in the AHL for both players.
Future Development for Toronto Maple Leafs Prospects
Taking part in the World Junior Championship before Toronto Marlies training camp and pre-season could give them a boost.
Hirvonen and Niemela will be game ready when training camp starts. A factor that should help them as they look to earn their spots. Should either fail to join the Toronto Marlies, both have loan agreements with their clubs in Finland.
Hirvonen recorded nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points in 46 games last season for HIFK. The Toronto Maple Leafs and HIFK have a loan agreement for the 2022-23 season. Should Hirvonen fail to start the season with the Toronto Marlies, he will at least return to HIFK and get the proper playing time for his development. The same situation is in place for Niemela between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Karpat. Niemela recorded ten goals and 22 assists for 32 points in 48 games for Karpat last season. (Stats from eliteprospects.com)
The Leafs will give Hirvonen and Niemela every opportunity to make the Toronto Marlies roster. However, the team will try to do what is best for each player’s development. Whether it is both players starting the AHL, one player starting in the AHL, or both returning to Finland, they both have a bright future.
Toronto general manager Kyle Dubas will be the first to say how important it is for prospects to receive proper development. The team has no plans to rush either of the two Finns. Their time will come, but until then, they need to work hard and take advantage of every opportunity.
I would love to see both Hirvonen and Niemela join the Toronto Marlies. However, I want them to play wherever is best for their development. If I had to pick one over the other, I think Niemela has the best chance to join the Marlies this season.