Topi Niemelä Scouting Reports

2-way/Transitional defenceman
Good feet - small area quickness is sound - cannot be described as a physical player but he doesn't shy away from contact either
Since he is giving up weight and strength he has to arrive ahead of opponents/jump to space before they have possession of the puck and can dictate the play in his zone
Has understated offensive upside - can QB the second PP unit
Solid hockey IQ in all three zones - it will take time to adjust to the smaller ice in North America

Niemela has seen some growth in areas of his game, and some drop off in other areas. He is being used in all situations playing in Liiga. On the power-play he is efficient. He directs pucks on net accurately and shows the ability to one-time pucks. Off the rush he can attack with more pace. He is over-handling pucks between the blue-lines/slowing down in the process. He's a reliable defender who is quick to space. For his stature he isn't shy about bumping up against opponents. On the penalty-kill he closes on opponents, shows willingness to block shots, and has an active stick in the lanes. The fact his offense has fallen off requires monitoring.

Offense has fallen off in his second full year playing in Liiga but his detail in other areas of the game remains trustworthy
Continues to be used in all situations, although his PP minutes have been scaled back during his fade offensively
Bulk of his average 20:00 TOI comes at ES and PK.
Competes defensively. Quick to space. High end IQ. Outlets efficiently. Still a solid prospect.

A trustworthy 'D' who brings sound detail in all three zones.
Has the IQ and compete to be used in all situations ... including the PK
Fantastic vision in the offensive zone. He will wait for a lane to open up and either get the puck to the net or distribute through seems.
Defensively quick to take away time and space and willing to get in the lane to block shots
Not a big body but it doesn't hold him back.

Easy to identify his element and potential upside for the NHL game. Solid skater.
A transitional 'D' who can QB the PP. With the extra attacker he is very efficient with the puck and makes reliable decisions. He distributes very well. On occasion he will direct pucks on net and shows a quick, accurate release. Rarely do his shots get blocked. His overall IQ is very strong. Not the heaviest defender. He won't over power opponents along the boards or around his crease. Upside as a 4 or 5 at ES.