Topi Niemela's Agent Responds to Report that Defenseman is Fleeing the Maple Leafs Organization

Earlier today, there was a report that surfaced saying that Topi Niemela had signed with Lulea of the Swedish Hockey League and that he would essentially be leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.

It is a report that has led to a lot of speculation about what is next for the defensive prospect, however, it would appear as though things aren't as they seem.

According to Joshua Kloke of The Athletic, the reports suggesting that Niemela is leaving the Maple Leafs are categorically false.

How do we know this? Well, Niemela's agent Mika Rautakallio came out and said so himself. As he notes in his quote to The Athletic, the defenseman wants to stay in North America and by extension, make it to the NHL.

Topi Niemela has been playing for the Toronto Marlies for the last two seasons now and he has definitely showed tremendous upside, although there are some definite hangups here.

For starters, he has not scored a goal in 46 games this season, although he does have 18 assists which is certainly decent production.

Unfortunately, the 22-year-old just hasn't been able to get any real looks from the Maple Leafs, as they have all gone to Marshall Rifai instead. This certainly led credence to the initial reports of Niemela wanting out.

With the trade deadline coming up, one would have to wonder if this latest development could spring the Leafs into action. There are plenty of NHL teams that would love a guy like Niemela, and if the Leafs don't plan to promote him, then it might be time to sever ties.

Either way, this update from the agent is certainly good for the Maple Leafs as now they do not have to deal with any significant fallout.