"So far with the Redhawks, the 23-year-old defenceman has four goals and 11 assists. He has looked decent, though inconsistent, not posting any standout numbers. Averaging just over 18 minutes a night, he is currently fourth amongst Malmö defenders in TOI/game. He currently has one of the worst plus/minuses on the team, sitting at minus-8 (the team has a minus-4 goal differential overall). Niemelä is 24th amongst defenders league-wide in hits (29) and 23rd in shots blocked (39)."
"Niemelä was originally selected 64th overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft while playing in his home country of Finland with Kärpät U20. He was touted as a strong defensive defender who still needed to add some size at 6'0″ and 163 lbs. (he is now listed at 179 lbs.). In the 2024-25 season, he had two goals and 20 assists with the Marlies, a step down from the eight goals and 31 points he registered the year prior."
Niemelä has four goals and 11 assists in 43 games for the Malmö Redhawks, averaging just over 18 minutes per night and ranking fourth among Malmö defenders in TOI/game. He sits at minus-8 plus/minus while the team has a minus-4 goal differential. He ranks 24th among defenders league-wide in hits (29) and 23rd in blocked shots (39). Drafted 64th overall by Toronto in 2020 from Kärpät U20, he was viewed as a defensive defender who needed size and is now listed at 179 lbs. His Marlies production declined in 2024-25, prompting a return to Europe for key minutes. Toronto retains his NHL rights and his SHL contract expires at season's end.
Read at TheLeafsNation
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