Niemela signed a one-year contract with SHL Malmo on Monday, Joshua Kloke of The Athletic reports.
Niemela is a pending restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract. The Maple Leafs can retain his NHL rights by giving him a qualifying offer. The 23-year-old defender had two goals and 22 points in 61 regular-season appearances with AHL Toronto in 2024-25 before adding two assists in two playoff outings. Niemela has spent the last two campaigns in the minors and hasn't made his NHL debut yet.
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Maple Leafs' Topi Niemela: Impressive at rookie camp
Rotowire
Niemela delivered five assists in two rookie-camp games against the Canadiens last weekend.
Niemala stood out as one of the Leafs' best players. He ran the top power-play unit and very effectively got the puck on the net low in order to produce rebounds for his teammates. Niemala was originally drafted because of his strong defensive instincts and smarts, but he has shown real growth in his offensive game. The Leafs' blue line is suddenly tight with so many offseason acquisitions, so Niemala may end up back in the AHL for more consistent ice time.
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