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The Toronto Maple Leafs have six prospects on rosters for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championships and four saw action and got on the scoreboard in the opening day of the tournament in Edmonton, AB on Christmas Day.
Leafs 2020 first round pick Rodion Amirov played on Russia’s top line with Marat Khusnutdinov and Vancouver first rounder Vasili Podkolzin and had an assist on Russia’s insurance goal late in the third period in a 5-3 victory over the United States.
Rodion Amirov (TOR) putting the pressure on USA's powerplay pic.twitter.com/D8UbWQ6beU
— Dylan Griffing (@Dylan_Griffing) December 26, 2020
Mikhail Abramov was a healthy scratch and goalie Artur Ahktyamov backed up Yaroslav Askarov on Friday. Russia has games on back-to-back days against Austria and Sweden later this week, which could mean that Ahktyamov will see action.
In the Finns 5-3 win over Germany, Leafs 2020 second rounder Roni Hirvonen played on the top line with Florida first rounder Anton Lundell and assisted on his first period goal, but also was given a minor and misconduct for a check from behind.
Anton Lundell (@FlaPanthers/#12 in 2020) puts home the beaut of a pass from Santeri Hatakka (@SanJoseSharks/#184 in 2019) to open up the scoring for Finland!#WJC pic.twitter.com/eBUGLfMFN1
— Hockey Daily 365 (@HockeyDaily365) December 25, 2020
2019 third rounder Mikko Kokkonen had a helper on Mikael Pyyhtia’s second period goal, but the most impressive performance of the day went to 2020 third rounder Topi Niemela, who scored the game-winner for Finland and an assist on the power play in the middle frame.
Leafs prospect Topi Niemela puts 🇫🇮 back up by 2. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/M19Jb5V8DI
— World Junior Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) December 26, 2020
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