Topi Niemela Signs One-Year Deal with Malmo, Leaves NHL Hopefuls

Topi Niemela Signs One-Year Deal with Malmo, Leaves NHL Hopefuls

Topi Niemela, a defenseman prospect for the Toronto Maple Leafs, has officially signed a one-year contract with the Malmo Redhawks in Sweden's SHL, marking his departure from North America. Previously with the AHL's Toronto Marlies, Niemela's performance declined in the last season after initially showing promise, presenting challenges for his future in the NHL. Malmo's sporting director highlighted their intent to develop Niemela's skills furth…

Leafs prospect Topi Niemela leaves North America, signs one-year deal with SHL’s Malmo - Daily Faceoff

The Toronto Maple Leafs and prospect defenseman Topi Niemela are inching closer to the end of the line. On Monday, the Malmo Redhawks of the SHL, Sweden’s top pro league, announced they’d signed Niemela to a one-year contract. “We have been looking for a defenseman with Topi’s profile and qualities, and he wants to come here because he sees a strong development environment with us,” said Oscar Alsenfelt, Malmo’s sporting director, per a translat…