Last year, Topi Niemelä ranked fourth in our annual list of the Top 10 Toronto Maple Leafs prospects. This year, he’s likely to rise to the position of the Leafs’ second-best prospect, making it the ideal time to promote him to the NHL team.

The timing is right as Niemelä is coming off a standout rookie season in the AHL. Additionally, the Leafs are in need of a right-handed puck-moving defenseman, which Niemelä could fulfill.

The Leafs’ blue line is currently missing two key elements: potential and a high-end elite defenseman. They can’t rely on their current group and hope for success without addressing these gaps.

The current Leafs defense lineup includes Chris Tanev, Morgan Rielly, Jake McCabe, Timothy Liljegren, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, but after that, the depth chart is open.

Simon Benoit is usually the next in line but lacks both skill and upside. Caden Weber is another option; however, at 23 and with no NHL experience, he’s unproven.

The Leafs might still look to acquire another defenseman, but their GM seems hesitant to make trades after his previous high-profile deal with the Panthers. Consequently, the Leafs’ thin blue-line depth means their AHL prospects will need to compete for roster spots, with Niemelä being the most likely candidate to secure one.

Niemelä recorded 39 points in 68 AHL games last season, which is impressive. Generally, players who excel in the AHL are capable of making the jump to the NHL, and Niemelä is no exception.

With the Marlies’ offense coming mainly from Joseph Blandini, Alex Steeves, and Logan Shaw, Niemelä didn’t have a roster full of future stars to assist him. According to The Athletic, Niemelä has developed an “NHL-ready first pass out of the defensive zone,” a skill the Leafs struggled with during their playoff exit against Boston last season.

Niemelä is known for his intelligence and composure, and while his future as an elite defenseman isn’t guaranteed, his skills make him a promising candidate. The Leafs, as contenders with limited cap space and a need for a top-tier blue-liner, would benefit from giving Niemelä a chance.

He could immediately enhance the Leafs’ blue line with his puck-moving abilities and potential. Though his ceiling is seen as a top-four defenseman rather than an elite player, his strong passing skills could help him excel, especially when paired with the Leafs’ talented forwards.

Topi Niemelä has demonstrated he’s ready for the NHL, and the current Leafs blue line provides an opportunity for a rookie to make an impact.