Toronto Maple Leafs: Kapanen Taking Advantage Of Marlies Role
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Kasperi Kapanen is taking advantage of his newfound role with the Toronto Marlies this year.
The 20 year old Toronto Maple Leafs prospect enjoyed his best week of pro hockey, recording five points and taking home the AHL Player of the Week honors last week.
With several former Marlies up with the Leafs on a full-time basis, Kapanen has a chance to increase his development in a role that’s more conducive to his actual talents.
He’s now a focal point of the Marlies offense instead of a shadow.
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As with the Leafs in general, Kapanen requires patience. An unfair spotlight was put on the young player when he came over in the Phil Kessel trade and expectations exceeded reality.
It’s important for Kapanen to have a full year with the Marlies where he’s at the forefront of the offensive game plan.
That’s his future role in the NHL, a producer. It’s why the Penguins drafted him in the first round and it’s why the Leafs went after him in the Kessel deal.
With Nylander, Hyman and Brown out of the picture, he now has the chance to be the player the Leafs need him to be – and, early on, it seems like he’s not going to let that opportunity pass him by.
There are spots to be won on the Leafs after this season. Milan Michalek and Peter Holland both have their deals expiring after this season and it’s hard to envision them returning with the competition that surrounds them.
There’s no rush to bring Kapanen into the fold right now given the Leafs roster make-up. It’s unlikely he would get a desired role with the Leafs even if he was called up.
The best case scenario for Kapanen is playing out right now. He’s in the AHL getting a lot of minutes and capitalizing on his chances.
The Toronto Marlies are back in action tonight against Rochester with Kapanen looking to continue his strong offensive play.
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