Three players to watch for Team Finland at the 2022 WJC
Topi Niemela, D, Karpat (Liiga): The current top-scoring defenceman in Liiga, Niemela was named the top defenceman in this event a year ago. Returning a year older and a year wiser should make him a favourite to repeat that feat again. (Toronto, 64th overall pick in 2020)
Brad Lambert, C, JYP (Liiga): Has experienced a rocky season that has seen him slide in draft rankings. There’s no better opportunity to get back on the radar as a top pick than playing well in this event. Does he end up in WHL Saskatoon when the tournament’s done? (2022 NHL draft eligible, SN #15)
Joakim Kemell, RW, JYP (Liiga): Spent a good chunk of the season as Liiga’s leading scorer before being derailed for three weeks with an upper-body injury. If he can dominate the pros in Finland, he should dominate here as well. (2022 NHL draft eligible, SN #3)
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