Maple Leafs prospect Topi Niemela signs contract extension in Finland

Fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs will have to wait a little longer before seeing Topi Niemela wearing the blue and white. The 19-year-old has signed a one-year contract extension with Karpat in Finland's top division, Liiga.

"We are really happy that Topi signed an extension! Our view is that Topi is smart to play another year in Finland and thereby develop himself towards the NHL. Topi already plays a big role on the team, but the aim is to grow that even more. This extension is also important for the league. I believe that young players like Topi will continue to enjoy their time in the League. He has shown this year that he can play at a top level and has developed infinitely well since last year. Fortunately, we will enjoy another year's Topi services in Kärpat!" said Karpat sports director Harri Aho.

The Oulu, Finland native is having an incredible season thus far with Karpat in Liiga. In 31 games this season, Niemela has 24 points (6 G, 18 A), which puts him tenth in points in the entire league, which is pretty remarkable given he's only 19.

His strong play for Karpat this season may give him the opportunity to represent his country at the pinnacle of the sport. With NHLers not going to the 2022 Winter Olympics anymore, there is a very good chance that Niemela will be on the blueline for the Finns in February.

Currently, Niemela is away from his club team and is playing for Finland at the World Juniors for the second year in a row. At the end of the tournament last year, he was named best defenceman.

Source: Karpat.

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