On Friday, May 13th, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced the signings of their top two Finnish prospects.
Forward Roni Hirvonen and defenseman Topi Niemelä both signed three-year entry-level deals with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The average annual value (AAV) for both deals is worth $856,666.
Both prospects had a decent 2021-22 season, and both showed improvement in their games. Hirvonen and Niemela will spend the 2022-23 season on loan to the respected Liiga teams in Finland. (stats hockeyreference.com).
20-year-old Hirvonen recorded nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points in 46 games for HIFK of the Finnish Elite League (Liiga) this season.