Kasperi Kapanen called up to Leafs, Nikita Soshnikov to IR

As the Leafs begin a set of three road games in four days, we have news that Kasperi Kapanen has joined the team.

The @MapleLeafs announced today that forward Kasperi Kapanen has been recalled from the @TorontoMarlies (AHL).

In a corresponding move, Nikita Soshnikov has been placed on the injured reserve list with a lower body injury. #TMLtalk

— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) December 12, 2017

Kapanen has played 16 games for the Marlies and has eight goals and four assists, putting him in fourth place on the team in points per game.

By waiting until today to call him up, the Leafs take advantage of the Holiday Roster Freeze rules which allow them to return any player called up after December 11 right through the period of the roster freeze.  This way they aren’t locked into returning him before December 19 or keeping him until December 28.

As far as Nikita Soshnikov goes, I think we can all expect him to need a conditioning loan to the Marlies when this injury clears up.  That sure seems to be the way the wind is blowing to me.

Edited to add:

Nikita Soshnikov is on IR retroactive to Nov. 24. That means he's eligible to be activated at any time.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 12, 2017

So retroactive he could be activated tomorrow.  Wow.