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Toronto Maple Leafs Prospects: Risers and Fallers 2023

By Gordon Munro

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 13: Nick Robertson #89 of the Toronto Maple Leafs warms up prior to playing against the Calgary Flames in 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 warms up prior to playing against the Calgary Flames in 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) /
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(Photo by Andy Devlin/ Getty Images) /

Topi Niemela, RHD

DOB: 03-25-2002

Drafted: Third round, 64th Overall, 2020

Last team: Karpat (Liiga)

Similar to Robertson, Topi Niemela being a faller doesn’t bump him far down my own personal prospect rankings.

He still remains one of the top prospects in the Leafs system and still stands as the top defensive prospect. Yet, I was very underwhelmed by his performance this past season after having an incredible season the year before.

He went from producing 32 points in 48 games in the Liiga in 2021-22 to 18 points in 58 games last season.

The one bright spot came when he joined the Marlies for their playoff run where he produced five points in seven games. Thankfully, points aren’t the be-all end-all for defensemen and Niemela is credited with having a smart and well refined two-way game.

If he spends the full season in North America – which he likely will- I would hope he can adapt to the style and continue his development. As I said before, he remains the Leafs top defensive prospect and I have little doubt in his ability to bounce back from this down year. (All stats and information from Elite Prospects).

It should also be remembered that progression is not linear and many prospects who are on this list today could be busts or NHL stars tomorrow.

Next. The Leafs Top 10 Prospects. dark

The key takeaway from this list is that the Toronto Maple Leafs have a very exciting prospect pool and there are many ups and downs along the way to their eventual goal of playing professional hockey at the NHL level.

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