Topi Niemela
There is no secret that the Maple Leafs have lacked a top end powerplay quarterback and are lacking one on their current roster. Topi Niemelä who is known for his puck moving skills could be able to take this role.
The 2020 third round selection has continually improved each season since being draft. Niemelä won the top defenseman at the 2020 World Junior Championships when he led the tournament in all offensive categories and had won two medals in back-to-back tournaments.
He has a strong rookie season in the AHL and will get some NHL consideration next season for sure.
The Finnish defenseman completed his first full season in North America where he led the Marlies blue line in points with 39 over 68 games. This upcoming season Niemelä could start the year on the third pairing and coach Craig Berube could experiment with him leading the top powerplay unit.
Cade Weber
Acquired at this past trade deadline, Cade Webber signed his entry level contract shortly after Boston University was knocked out of the Frozen Four tournament.
Standing at 6'7", Webber is a pure stay at home, shot blocking defenseman as demonstrated by leading the country in that category. The Massachusetts native did just sign his ELC, but he is the oldest of the four prospects as he was drafted in 2019 and will turn 24 mid season.
Certainly he can give the Leafs a better option than Joel Edmundson or Ilya Lyubushkin.
Webber will get a long look in training camp and could push Simon Benoit for ice-time this upcoming season.