Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Rangers. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.

NHL Predictions

Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Head-to-Head: Panthers 2-0 Blue Jackets

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: Fan Duel Sports Ohio; Scripps Florida; ESPN+

We open up NHL predictions with a pivotal Eastern Conference game between the Florida Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky is the projected starter for the Panthers, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Florida is 7-3 in the last 10 games, but have dropped the last two heading into this one. Sam Reinhart has racked up 33 goals and 39 assists for the Panthers.

Elvis Merzlikins is the expected starter for the Blue Jackets, who are 4-6 in the last 10 games. This includes four consecutive losses for a Columbus team trying to keep pace in the Wild Card race in the East. The Jackets are a strong team in Ohio with a 20-9-4 record on their home ice. Mathieu Olivier has been playing well as of late with seven goals and one assist over the past 10 games.

Both teams need a win, but Florida gets the victory.

Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Rangers

Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 1-1 Rangers

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: SNO; MSG 2; ESPN+

Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Maple Leafs and the Rangers squaring off an Original Six battle. Anthony Stolarz is the expected starter for Toronto, which got a key 2-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche the night before. The Leafs are 5-4-1 in the last 10 games, but did get two victories heading into this game. William Nylander is chasing the 40-goal mark with 38 goals and 33 assists for the Maple Leafs.

Igor Shesterkin is the probable starter for the Rangers, who are trying to vault back into the Wild Card spots. New York is 4-4-2 in the last 10 and this includes two consecutive losses. The Blueshirts have actually struggled at home with a 16-16-3 mark at Madison Square Garden. Artemi Panarin has provided 30 goals and 42 assists for New York.

Toronto may be coming in off a back-to-back, but it will have the momentum.

Prediction: Maple Leafs win 3-2.

Colorado Avalanche vs Ottawa Senators

Head-to-Head: Avalanche 1-0 Senators

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: TSN 5; Altitude; ESPN+

The last game of NHL predictions has the Avalanche visiting the Ottawa Senators. Colorado is expected to start Scott Wedgewood in between the pipes for this game. The Avalanche are 8-1-1 in the last 10 games, but did lose to the Maple Leafs last night. Valeri Nichushkin has been averaging a point a game as of late with seven goals with three assists over the last 10 games.

Ottawa is expected to start Linus Ullmark in this game. The Senators are 7-2-1 in the last 10 games, but are coming off a loss prior to this matchup. Ottawa has been great at home with a 20-9-2 record at the Canadian Tire Centre. Brady Tkachuk has produced 27 goals and 24 assists for the Senators.

These two teams are needing points, but Ottawa’s home record gives them the edge.

Prediction: Senators win 3-2.

Prop Bets of the Night

We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go to our featured game for some prop bets. For Toronto, go with Auston Matthews to get a power-play point. On the Rangers side of things, take Mika Zibanejad to score a goal in this one.

Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The post NHL Predictions: March 20 Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Rangers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.

Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled, then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Colorado Avalanche versus the Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.

NHL Predictions

Colorado Avalanche at Toronto Maple Leafs

Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: SN, TNT, MAX, TVAS

After playing eleven days ago in Denver, Colorado the Colorado Avalanche (41-24–3) are now in Canada to face the Toronto Maple Leafs (40-24-3) in the rematch. The Avalanche scored four unanswered goals in the third period to erase a 4-2 deficit and win the first meeting 7-4. With both teams fighting for position within their respective divisions, this game should feature a high level of play.

Colorado Climbing the Standings

The Avalanche have been one of the hottest teams in the league going 8-1-1 in their last ten games. This has vaulted them into third place in the Central Division and fighting with the Dallas Stars for home ice in the first round. They have acquired many new faces throughout the season and it now seems like this team has the makings of a Stanley Cup contender once again. They will try to add to their streak as they begin a three game Eastern Canada road trip tonight.

Leading the way are the usual stars. Nathan MacKinnon has 16 points in the last 10 games, including his 1000th point. Cale Makar has 15 points in that stretch. They will look to outperform the Maple Leafs stars tonight. Add Valeri Nichushkin to the ones to watch as he had a hat trick and an assist against Toronto in their last game. With all the star power the overlooked aspect of the Avs is their goaltending. Scott Wedgewood made the last two starts with Mackenzie Blackwood ill. Blackwood will likely make the start tonight.

Toronto Trying to Find Their Best Game

Will the real Toronto Maple Leafs please stand up. Before controlling the game in a convincing victory over the Calgary Flames on Monday night the Leafs had started March 2-4-1. This had raised multiple concerns about how Toronto might perform in the playoffs and lead to the forward lines being placed into a blender. However, in their win over the Flames the lines went back to familiar combinations and it seemed to work. Coaches and fans alike will be looking for that to continue into tonight’s game.

The hesitation among Leafs nation seems to be how Toronto has preform against quality competition. On the year the Maple Leafs are playing .500 hockey against teams in the top-16 based on points percentage. They have also lost multiple games billed as “playoff tune-ups” recently. The question becomes do the regular season results even matter if the team will ultimately be judge on playoff performance once again? Yet, facing the Avalanche will give them another opportunity to dispel the notion that they struggle against good teams. Based off practice yesterday expected the same line up with Joseph Woll as the likely starter.

NHL Predictions

Colorado has a very clear advantage in the speed department against Toronto. The Avs are built to play at a million miles an hour. This gives the Leafs fits in transition. Toronto will have to rely on their structure and defend up ice with strong offensive zone time. Colorado should also have the edge on the power play. The Maple Leafs have only killed off 67.7% of their penalties since January 14th. All is not lost for Toronto though. Maybe Monday was a turning point. If their stars continue to play the way they did against Calgary and they get good goaltending this game is a toss up.

Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-3

Prop Bets of The Night

As mentioned Nichushkin had a hat trick in the first meeting. He also has goals in his last two games. He is + 210 as an anytime goal scorer tonight. For the Maple Leafs, Max Domi has started to heat up scoring twice in the Leafs last three games. He is more of a long shot at +500 to score tonight. Toronto is a home underdog at -104 on the moneyline.

Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

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The post NHL Predictions: March 19th Colorado Avalanche vs. Toronto Maple Leafs appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.

The NHL trade deadline was a week ago and the Toronto Maple Leafs picked up Brandon Carlo and Scott Laughton. Since then, the Leafs have played three games, against the Colorado Avalanche, Utah HC, and Florida Panthers. Toronto went 1-2-0 in that span, beating Utah in a shootout. The Leafs also had a lead in all three of those outings despite losing them eventually. Until March, Toronto has never given up a lead going into the third period. However, that streak ended and now it seems that they can’t stay on top.

Toronto’s newest additions have played their part in those contests, but haven’t impacted how they’d like.

How Are Carlo and Laughton Doing?

As mentioned, the Maple Leafs have lost two of their last three games. Three games is a small sample size, but a good time to review the performances of Carlo and Laughton in the early stages of their Leafs career. They both made their debuts against the Avalanche in a 7-4 loss. Colorado scored the last five straight goals in this game, including two empty-netters. Carlo and Laughton had their fair share of rough moments in this contest. The players were thrown into a new team system without any practice, some rough patches are to be expected.

Laughton played on the third line in the middle of Max Domi and Bobby McMann. The 30-year-old finished that game with a minus-two rating and had 11:54 of ice time, one of the lowest times he recorded all season. Laughton took responsibility for his performance saying, “I’ll be better,” after the loss to Colorado.

As for Carlo, he had a shaky start too. However, after finding himself in an awkward spot on Vladimir Nichushkin’s second goal of the game, he was able to settle in as the game went on. He finished the game with six blocks and played just over 22 minutes. Carlo helped with the brief loss of Chris Tanev, now they’re both in the lineup together.

After their debuts, the two were able to play more freely against Utah. Laughton looked better in his last two games, linking up with his teammates and showing signs of great speed off the rush.

Their Roles Moving Forward

While Laughton is considered a centre, he spent lots of time on the wing with the Philadelphia Flyers. In Toronto’s last game against the Panthers, Laughton had a few instances on the wing. It’s unclear where Laughton will consistently play leading up to the playoffs. Only time will tell where his role will be in Craig Berube‘s lineup for the rest of the season. His playing style fits Berube’s style of play. He plays with grit and speed that would make him the perfect depth forward when it comes to the postseason.

Carlo will also be a great fit in the playoffs. He plays a heavy game while getting into shooting lanes and eating pucks. Carlo is similar to Tanev when their great defensive play is considered. Also, the 28-year-old has an itch and a hunch to play physically along the boards on the defensive end. Once Carlo gets accustomed to Berube’s defensive zone coverage, he should shine on the blueline for Toronto. The word ‘shine’ is ironic because Carlo’s best game means he’s unnoticeable.

Laughton and Carlo aren’t known for their scoring or offensive threat. However, they are known to play the right way and take pride in their responsibilities behind the puck. The Maple Leafs haven’t been able to hold leads as of late like they used to. The team will hope that these additions will be able to help them get back to their ways during the quest to win the Atlantic Division.

Main Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

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Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Calgary Flames vs Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.

NHL Predictions

New Jersey Devils vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Head-to-Head: Devils 1-1 Blue Jackets

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: MSGSN; Fan Duel Sports Ohio; ESPN+

We open up this St Patrick’s Day edition of NHL predictions with the New Jersey Devils battle the Columbus Blue Jackets. New Jersey is expected to go with Jacob Markstrom in between the pipes. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Devils are 5-5 in the last 10 games. Jesper Bratt has put together a great season with 19 goals and 60 assists for New Jersey.

Elvis Merzlikins is the projected starter for the Blue Jackets, who are 5-5 in the last 10 games. This includes three straight losses as Columbus tries to fight for its spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Adam Fantilli has been averaging a point a game with six goals and four assists over the last 10 games for the Blue Jackets.

New Jersey is feeling the loss of Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton, so Columbus should get the win.

Prediction: Blue Jackets win 4-2.

Calgary Flames vs Toronto Maple Leafs

Head-to-Head: Flames 0-1 Maple Leafs

Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: Amazon Prime Video (Canada); ESPN+

Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Flames taking on the Maple Leafs… or Toronto St Pats. The Flames are likely to start Dustin Wolf in the blue paint for this game. Calgary is 4-3-3 in the last 10 games, but have dropped the last two games entering this matchup. The Flames have struggled away from home at 12-13-6 this season. MacKenzie Weegar has seven goals and 32 assists for Calgary.

Joseph Woll is the expected starter for the Maple Leafs, who are 5-4-1 in the last 10 games. However, Toronto has lost two consecutive games prior to this game. William Nylander notched a hat trick for the Maple Leafs in the last meeting. Nylander has collected 37 goals and 31 assists for Toronto.

This game is a chance to see those awesome St Patrick’s unis and they should get the win in them.

Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5-2.

Los Angeles Kings vs Minnesota Wild

Head-to-Head: Kings 2-0 Wild

Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: Fan Duel Sports North; Fan Duel Sports Wisconsin; Fan Duel Sports West; ESPN+

Our last game of NHL predictions has the Los Angeles Kings going for the season-sweep against the Minnesota Wild. Darcy Kuemper is the probable starter for the Kings, who are winners of five straight and are 5-3-2 in the last 10 games. Adrian Kempe has generated 27 goals and 27 assists for Los Angeles.

Filip Gustavsson is the projected starter for the Wild, who are struggling as of late. Minnesota is 3-6-1 in the last 10 games and this includes two straight losses. The injuries have piled up and taken their toll on this Wild roster. Mats Zuccarello has 15 goals and 26 assists for Minnesota.

The Kings are playing great and the Wild are hurting.

Prediction: Kings win 4-1.

Prop Bets of the Night

We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to our featured game for these props. For Calgary, take Nazem Kadri to score on his former team. On the Toronto side, go with Mitch Marner to notch a power-play points.

Main photo by: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

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The post NHL Predictions: March 17 Calgary Flames vs Toronto Maple Leafs appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.

Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.

NHL Predictions

Florida Panthers vs Montreal Canadiens

Head-to-Head: Panthers 0-1 Canadiens

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: CityTV; SN East; TVAS; Scripps Florida; NHL Network

We open NHL predictions with an Atlantic Division game between the Florida Panthers and Montreal Canadiens. Sergei Bobrovsky is the projected starter for this game, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Florida in 8-2 in the last 10 games entering this matchup. Sam Bennett has scored five goals in the last 10, including two against the Maple Leafs on Thursday.

Sam Montembeault is the confirmed starter for Montreal, which is 6-2-2 in the last 10 games. However, the Habs did lose in controversial fashion to the Seattle Kraken in overtime. Juraj Slafkovsky has been averaging over a point of game as of late with six goals and five assists over the past 10 games.

Montreal did a shutout in the first meeting, but that was with Jakub Dobes in net. Florida is playing well despite missing some key pieces.

Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.

New York Rangers vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Head-to-Head: Rangers 2-1 Blue Jackets

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: MSG; Fan Duel Sports Ohio; ESPN+

We have a big matchup for the second game of our NHL predictions as the New York Rangers battle the Columbus Blue Jackets. Igor Shesterkin is the expected starter for New York, which is 5-3-2 in the last 10 games. Artemi Panarin has generated 28 goals and 40 assists for the Rangers.

Columbus is slated to start Daniil Tarasov in this pivotal game. The Blue Jackets are 5-5 in the last 10 games, which includes two consecutive losses. Adam Fantilli netted a hat trick in the last meeting between the two teams.

This is a critical matchup, but Columbus stops the bleeding with a victory.

Prediction: Blue Jackets win 3-2.

Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs

Head-to-Head: Senators 2-0 Maple Leafs

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: CBC; Sportsnet; ESPN+

The last game of NHL predictions is another installment of the Battle of Ontario. Ottawa is probable to start Linus Ullmark in the blue paint. The Senators are winners of five straight and are 6-3-1 in the last games. German sensation Tim Stutzle has tallied 20 goals and 47 assists for Ottawa.

Anthony Stolarz is the expected starter for the Maple Leafs, who are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games. However, Toronto did suffer a 3-2 loss to Florida in its last game. Auston Matthews is starting to get back on track with 23 goals and 33 assists for the Maple Leafs.

Ottawa is coming in hot, but Toronto finds a way to scratch out a win.

Prediction: Maple Leafs win 3-2 in overtime.

Prop Bets of the Night

We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s stay with our featured game for our preferred props. For Ottawa, go with Brady Tkachuk to score a goal in this one. On the Toronto end, take John Tavares to get the over on 0.5 assists in this one.

Main photo by: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

The post NHL Predictions: March 15 Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.

Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.

NHL Predictions

Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: TSN4, SCRIPPS, TVAS; ESPN+

There aren’t going to be many regular season games more important than the final three matchups between the Panthers (40-22–3) and division rival Maple Leafs (39-22-3). These teams will get reacquainted over the next month as they battle for the Atlantic Division crown. Florida reminded Toronto who the beast of the East was in the first game winning 5-1. Can the Maple Leafs respond tonight?

Panthers Picking up Plenty of Wins

Florida looked well on their way to picking up their seventh straight win before blowing a 2-0 third period lead to the Boston Bruins and losing 3-2. This should make for an unhappy squad as they head to Toronto for their second game of a six-game road trip. While the Bruins got the win the Panthers might ultimately get the last laugh as the have former Bruins captain and Maple Leaf killer Brad Marchand on their side now. Luckily for Toronto he is still week-to-week and won’t play tonight.

Marchand isn’t the only big name missing from the Panthers lineup at the moment. With so many absences it has allowed an unsung hero to take on a bigger role. Mackie Samoskevich has been getting a chance in the top-6 and is producing. He has four points in the last five games. Add him to the long list of players the Maple Leafs will have to shut down including the usual suspects like Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov.

Toronto Back on Home Ice

Toronto also blew a multi-goal lead in their last game. Unlike the Panthers the Maple Leafs were able to pull out a 4-3 shootout win against the Utah Hockey Club. That was the final game of a stretch that saw them play 11 out of 13 games on the road. Toronto will now have a four game homestand to introduce the fans to some new players. Both deadline acquisitions Brandon Carlo and Scott Laughton will be making their home debuts tonight.

The Leafs were hoping to have a familiar face back as well in Chris Tanev. He practiced yesterday but didn’t take part in line rushes so a return is unlikely. The Maple Leafs will need to improve their leaky defensive play without him. Anthony Stolarz would certainly appreciate that as he gets a second chance to face his former team. The first opportunity didn’t go so well as he allowed four goals on 23 shots. He could use some run support tonight after only seeing his team score once in the first meeting. It would be a good night for Auston Matthews to get on the scoreboard again.

Prediction

Starting tonight the next three games between these two could be a playoff preview. Expect some tone setting throughout. For some reason Eastern teams coming back from out West sometimes don’t have their best in the first game back. However, no excuses for Toronto. This game is too important with the teams only separated by two points. The big question is how will the Leafs handle the Panthers forecheck? It always seems to give them trouble. Carlo was brought in to help with that.

Prediction: Panthers win 3-2.

Prop Bets of The Night

We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Reinhart has scored 5 goals in his last 5 games against Toronto. He is + 165 as an anytime goal scorer tonight. For the Maple Leafs, Mitch Marner scored their lone goal in the first meeting. He is +270 to score tonight.

Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

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Following the NHL trade deadline, there has been plenty of noise surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs and Mitch Marner for several reasons. To this point, Marner is a pending UFA and does not want to enter negotiations for his new contract. In training camp at the beginning of the season, Marner announced to the media that he wasn’t interested in talking about his contract. Furthermore, it became clear as the season went on that there would be no discussions or negotiations between the player and the team.

Since then, Marner’s request has been granted. For the last five months, it’s been very rare for a question about his future in Toronto to come up. However, it is becoming a popular topic again after reports about a trade that almost happened on Friday’s trade deadline involving Marner. The Maple Leafs and the Carolina Hurricanes discussed two potential trades that both involved Mikko Rantanen. The first one consisted of two first-round picks, Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan to the Canes.

The other deal was a potential blockbuster that would’ve had Marner go to Carolina for Rantanen. Furthermore, the understanding was Rantanen was ready to sign an extension with Toronto too. In the process, Leafs’ management asked Marner if he would waive his no-movement clause. This whole situation is why the contract discussions in the media have picked up again and for great reason. Now, uncertainty surrounds Marner and his commitment to the Maple Leafs, even if he planned to play out the year.

Why Toronto Needs to Keep Marner

Rantanen ended up being traded to and signing with the Dallas Stars. He inked an eight-year deal at $12 million per season. While he signed with a team that plays in the Central Division, securing that new deal affects the Maple Leafs in a big way. Now that Rantanen is signed, there is no backup plan if Marner doesn’t stay with the Leafs. Toronto’s leading scorer now becomes the top free agent on the market and has all the leverage in negotiations. On top of all that, he’s having the best season of his nine-year career. That sets him up for a massive pay raise and it could be well over $13 million AAV if he decides to hit the open market.

While the situation at this point is out of general manager Brad Treliving’s hands, it is critical to extend Marner in the offseason. Without him, there is a huge hole in Toronto’s lineup. Not many NHL players can create plays, put up points, and excel defensively, let alone in the next class of free agency. The best available forwards in the offseason who are younger than 30 will be Brock Boeser, Nikolaj Ehlers and Sam Bennett. However, it’s not guaranteed they’ll be available when July 1 comes around.

Other Options For The Maple Leafs

If Marner decides to sign elsewhere, it will be a tough reality check for the Maple Leafs and their fans. However, after consolation, there is an opportunity for Toronto to add more depth to the team like never before. With the salary cap projected to rise, they’ll also get Marner’s $10.9 million off their books. That money can be used to sign two or three solid players to help strengthen their roster.

There are plenty of players that the Leafs could add from free agency with that money. Trent Frederic, Jack Roslovic, and Ryan Donato could all be added in the same window. Not to mention the list of D-men such as Aaron Ekblad, Jakob Chychrun, and Neal Pionk. Toronto could also chase older veterans with a winning pedigree like Patrick Kane — who’s having a solid season — and Brad Marchand.

Nonetheless, it will be up to Marner. The near future of his career and the franchise is in his hands. It’ll be fascinating to see where it goes.

Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

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After two seasons in the AHL with no call-ups, it’s time to evaluate what the Toronto Maples Leafs have in Topi Niemelä. A 2020 third-round pick, Niemelä had looked like a steal from the moment he was drafted. With great numbers as a teenager in the Finnish Liiga and a World Juniors Championship Top Defenceman Award, things were looking very promising. Now, five years after being drafted, with no NHL action, Topi’s development seems to have stalled.

What Do the Toronto Maple Leafs Have in Topi Niemelä?

Many aspects of Niemeläs’s game make him a desirable prospect. Of these attributes, his hockey IQ is the foundational piece. He excels at a two-way game, providing both offence and defence at both ends of the ice.  In the defensive zone, Niemelä is almost always in the right position, maintaining his structure, and causing turnovers. Once in possession, he has a strong transition game, effectively moving the puck through the neutral zone and creating offensive opportunities. Furthermore, Topi’s ability to join the rush and contribute offensively adds another dimension to his game, making him a versatile asset for any team.

Niemelä’s skating plays a big part in his ability to defend and transition successfully. He uses his edge-work and quick transitional mobility to surf up on the opposition and close gaps with ease. Topi uses his speed to break the puck out on his own when there are no passing options. He joins the rush, bumps the puck out to a forward, and finds open ice for scoring chances.

Topi’s Weaknesses

The biggest area of concern for Niemelä is his strength and physicality. Coming in at 6″0” and 181 lbs, Topi isn’t a small player by any standard, he just doesn’t utilize it as he could. Often getting pushed off the puck and losing battles to someone stronger, Niemelä needs to keep putting on muscle if he wants to make the jump. Right now, the biggest question mark is whether he can defend the front of the net and win board battles in the NHL.

Additionally, if he wants to make the jump, Topi needs to show continuous improvements. This is something that seems to have stalled out this season. Offensive point totals are something that has been a staple of Niemelä’s game thus far. As a 19-year-old in the Liiga, he put up 32 points in 48 games. That year, during the World Juniors, he was also named defenceman of the tournament with eight points in seven games. Once making the move to North America, Niemelä burst onto the scene for the Toronto Marlies during their 2022/23 playoffs. In their seven games, he had five points and was a key contributor as a rookie. Last year, in his first full AHL season, he scored eight goals and had 39 points in 68 games.

Topi Niemela buries his 8th goal of the season.
He is up to 38 points this season.
The most points by a U22 Marlies Defenceman in a season is 39 (Andrew Nielsen 16/17) pic.twitter.com/X61WVclpEr

— Rink Rat Report (@RinkRatReport) April 10, 2024

The issue now is that this season, Niemelä is only on pace for 26 points in 66 games. A big step down in production from last year. Considering his age, and offensive promise, you’d expect his point total to at least keep up with last year. The standout amongst this is that in addition to only a 26-point pace, he has no goals thus far. This poses the question of whether this is an off-year or if his development has stunted.

Defending those plays like it’s no big deal. Congratulations to @leijonat‘s Topi Niemela on being named the #WorldJuniors Best Defenceman! pic.twitter.com/FYEuBfnWRB

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) January 6, 2021

Future Outlook

As Niemelä continues to develop, his ability to adapt to the physical demands of the NHL will be the key to his success. With the Leafs having a stacked defensive core and numerous depth defencemen trickling down to the AHL, his path to the NHL could be tricky. This defensive log jam is likely contributing to his down year in production by limiting his playing time and offensive opportunities.

The Leafs organization must stay patient with Niemelä. Based on previous years, this is more likely a natural down year, than the norm. With that being said, the time is now for Topi. He needs to step up and show the world what he can do. If he hopes to someday make the jump, he needs to put together some better totals down the stretch and into next season. Otherwise, it’s hard to see him beating out any of the Leaf’s depth defencemen. At only 22 years old, there is still time for Niemelä. With some tweaks to his game, Topi still projects to make the NHL eventually. I don’t think it would surprise many people to see Niemelä running the Leaf’s second power play unit a couple of years down the road.

Main Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski – Imagn Images

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It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’ve passed the March 7 trade deadline, but there’s plenty of fallout from the big day. We saw some massive deals made in and around the deadline. However, there were some blockbuster deals that didn’t materialize. We’ve already discussed the fallout somewhat in a previous edition of NHL rumours. However, this edition deals with the one Toronto Maple Leafs player that was the focus on a deal and his long-term future with the team.

All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumours

Toronto Maple Leafs Hoping to Extend Forward

Rumour: Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving talked to the media in the wake of the trade deadline. Toronto’s GM talked about the fallout of a proposed trade involving Mitch Marner and Mikko Rantanen that got nixed.

Analysis: Treliving voiced his support for Marner, who is a free agent at the end of the current season. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported during Saturday’s Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada that the Carolina Hurricanes asked the Maple Leafs for Marner in trade talks involving Rantanen. Friedman also mentioned that the Leafs went to Marner, but that was turned aside via Marner’s no-movement clause.

We talked in a previous edition of NHL rumours that the Leafs made a pitch to the Hurricanes involving highly-touted prospects Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten and a pair of first-round choices. This news was first reported by Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos. The former NHLer added that Toronto was willing to offer Rantanen a contract offer of over $105 for eight seasons.

Carolina eventually shipped Rantanen to the Dallas Stars for a pair of first-round picks and Logan Stankoven. Toronto did eventually spring for forward Scott Laughton from the Philadelphia Flyers and Brandon Carlo from the Boston Bruins. Minten was sent to Bruins for Carlo.

What It Means

The focus now shifts to Marner, who is on pace for his first career 100-point season. Treliving was quick to say that he wants Marner on the club for a long time. However, one wonders what will happen when July 1 rolls around.

One wonders how Marner will take being asked to drop his no-trade clause. He’s been a very good regular season player, but has struggled at times in the post-season. Rantanen is a proven playoff performer and the only thing that matters is success in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Marner is in the final year of his deal that sees him make $10.903 million a season. Toronto also has to deal with trying to re-sign former captain John Tavares. Treliving is going to have to find a way to fit the other two pieces of the Core Four. Both William Nylander and Auston Matthews have signed their respective deals. However, those cap hits are already taking a big chunk out of the team’s cap.

Previous editions of NHL rumours have reported that Tavares might be able to take less to give Toronto more flexibility. However, one wonders what dollar amount Marner will seek this off-season. The future is still as murky as it was before the season.

Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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