Leafs announce that they have signed 2 top prospects to matching entry level deals

The Leafs announced Thursday morning that they have signed two of their top prospects to identical 3-year entry level deals. Roni Hirvonen and Topi Niemelä were both selected in the 2020 draft and have been playing in Europe the past couple of seasons. The Buds have inked them to ELC deals which will come into effect in 2022-23.

Hirvonen posted 26 points (9G, 17A) in 46 games with HIFK of the Finnish Elite League (Liiga) during the 2021-22 season while also skating in five playoff games where he recorded six points (3G, 3A). He has recorded 63 points in 152 games in the Finnish Elite League while representing Finland internationally at the past 2 world junior championships, capturing bronze in 2021.

Niemelä posted 32 points (10G, 22A) in 48 games with Kärpät of the Finnish Elite League (Liiga) during the 2021-22 season while also skating in six playoff games where he recorded one assist. Niemelä led Kärpät defencemen in goals and points this season. He has also represented Finland twice at the world juniors in 2021 (bronze) and 2022.

Both players are on the smaller side, being under 6 feet, but both are excellent skaters and have high hockey IQ. Having played the past couple seasons in one of the top leagues in Europe, they will have no issues adjusting to playing against pros in the AHL, but may take a bit to adjust to the smaller ice, where they will have to use their hockey IQ and skating that much more. Don't expect to see them with the Leafs this season or next, but they will be key pieces on the roster down the road as the Leafs look to continue to fill out their roster with cheap contracts.