North America remains behind for now – A familiar Finnish player from Kärpät returns to Europe
Finnish defenseman Topi Niemelä, 23, is returning from North America to European ice rinks.
Niemelä’s career continues in the SHL. He has signed a one-year contract with Malmö Redhawks.
“Topi is a skilled defenseman who enjoys supporting attacks. He is really good on the power play, has a sharp breakout pass, and good mobility on the ice. He is already at a high level in many areas of the game – but he also has the potential for even better,” says Malmö’s sports director Oscar Alsenfelt in the club’s press release.
Niemelä was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 3rd round (#64) of the 2020 draft. He has represented the Toronto Marlies in the AHL since spring 2023, but has not played in the NHL. Niemelä has played 135 regular-season games in the farm team, tallying 11+52=63 points, and 12 playoff games with 2+5=7 points. Last season, he recorded 22 points (2+20=22) in 61 games.
Before moving to North America, Niemelä played for his hometown team, Kärpät. He scored 32 points in his best Liiga season.
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