Kasperi Kapanen may have time to shop the Yorkville Boxing Week sales, as he was sent down to the AHL earlier today. In limited NHL action, he recorded 2 goals in 6 games, largely on the fourth line, playing with Matt Martin and Dominic Moore.
The @MapleLeafs announced that forward Kasperi Kapanen has been loaned to the @TorontoMarlies (AHL). #TMLTalk
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) December 26, 2017
Once again, it’s easy to feel a little bad for the guy. Kapanen is definitely a NHL player, but his waiver status and the return of Auston Matthews from injury meant there weren’t enough forward spots, and he’s the only player who can be sent to the AHL without issue.
Also worth noting is that the Marlies play today and tomorrow, which Kapanen will most likely suit up for. On the year, Kapanen has 8 goals and 4 assists in 16 AHL games, continuing the strong form there that makes him one of the Leafs’ best prospects. Despite being sent down, it seems clear that it’s Babcock’s preference to play him in the event of a forward injury due to his versatility and ability to play up and down in the lineup.
