Topi Niemela, 2021 WJC
In the unique time that was the 2020 NHL Draft, the Maple Leafs selected Niemela in the third round, 64th overall. He was the only defender to play his entire draft-year in the top Finnish men's league, Liiga. His sophomore year was a step in the right direction despite facing some injury struggles holding him to only 15 games with Karpat. He seemed to take steps towards refining his game this season with his explosive offensive game coming the following year.
At the 2021 WJC Tournament, Niemela was one of the top defensemen named to the team and quickly showed why. His smart and skillful style of play lead to him taking on a prominent role with the team, and after seven games he scored two goals and six assists for eight points and helping Finland capture the bronze medal.
He lead the entire tournament in goals, assists, and points by a defender and was subsequently given Best Defenseman honours. Sandin had on it the year before which ironically marked the first time since 1993 and 1994 where two Leafs won the award in back-to-back years. He would play the following year as well, sporting an 'A' on his chest and recorded six assists in seven games en route to a silver medal win. His performance was not as good however and would not result in any individual accolades.
Roni Hirvonen, 2022 WJC
Just like his fellow countryman, Hirvonen was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2020. He was selected in the second round, 59th overall and only a few months after his name was called, he shot his draft stock up. Although he was billed as a more defensively responsible, two-way forward his play at both the mens league level and on the international stage hinted at slightly more offense.
He had represented Finland on various stages like the Hlinka Gretzky tournament where he scored four goals in three games and lead the team with five points. At the 2021 tournament, he finished fourth in team scoring with two goals, four assists, and six points in seven games as Finland captured a bronze medal.
The following year, he moved from Assat to HIFK of the Liiga, where he showed further scoring improvements. His prowess, along with his leadership qualities and mature style lead to him being named captain of the 2022 Finland WJC team. His play here saw improvements as well as he scored three goals and four assists for seven points in seven games. He also lead the team to a better finish, capturing a silver medal.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a number of standout performers at the World Juniors in recent years. Could Easton Cowan and Miroslav Holinka join that group? We will have to wait and find out in the coming weeks.