It’s a big day for Kasperi Kapanen. The Maple Leafs winger is scheduled to address the media and expound on the cryptic comments made by Coach Sheldon Keefe about him being a healthy scratch for Saturday’s game, forced to watch it from the press box, for reasons of “internal accountability.” This has all been so secretive, handled as though it’s building up to a revelation that will shock us all.

Prepare to be disappointed.

Leafs Scratch Kasperi Kapanen, Citing “Internal Accountability”

Here’s what will happen today. Kapanen will apologize for being “a distraction,” talk about the valuable lessons he learned while sitting in the pressbox playing Final Fantasy VII Snowboarding on his phone, and his newfound commitment to “being a good pro.”

At least one sports writer will frame this as a positive event where Kapanen is “overcoming adversity,” which, he was scratched for one game and lost no pay, so, no. Adversity it is not.

Most important is that neither Kapanen or any of our Hockey Insiders will reveal what really happened, which, you would think is the only actual important detail. This all is only what I think will happen though, based on past experience and cynicism at the world. I am happy to be surprised with something more.

In either case, the morning skate today will still be a sports media circus. Enjoy!

In the mean time, the rest of the Leafs will be getting ready for an actual game. They’re playing the Florida Panthers who you may recall exploded Frederik Andersen and the rest of the team in a game three weeks ago which the Leafs lost 8-4. The Panthers are also the only real rival for the Leafs to grab that third Atlantic Division playoff spot. This is actually a really important game for the standings. We’ll have a preview of  tonight’s game available later this morning when information on the lines is available, including the status of Travis Dermott who was out sick last game.

Also, what is with these Monday games? I hate Mondays. It’s a busy week for the Leafs with four games over six days. They might catch a break tonight with Aleksander Barkov still out.

ICYMI
Arvind and Fulemin shared their Leafs related thoughts on our weekly podcast yesterday while Katya shared her thoughts on Jake Muzzin’s contract which ends on July 1.

Should the Leafs re-sign Jake Muzzin? - Arvind and Fulemin
The Leafs have big decisions coming their way.

Is Muzzin nearing an extension? - Katya
All signs point to a serious negotiation between the Leafs and Jake Muzzin.

Other News

OUCHY PESCE.

LOL at Jake Gardiner’s face. Also, bring me TvR, Kyle.

Prospect Breakdown: Nicholas Abruzzese – The Leafs Beat
This season, Abruzzese is playing in his freshman season for Harvard University. With 19 games played so far, his 8 goals and 15 assists place him second in team scoring behind sophomore Casey Dornbach. Abruzzese has exceeded expectations in his first NCAA season and quickly emerged as one of the organization’s top prospects, with Scott Wheeler of The Athletic listing him at number 6 in his most recent Maple Leafs prospect rankings.

The Outcome Of Saturday’s Flames & Oilers Game Was Inevitable - Matchsticks and Gasoline
There’s a reason Saturday went the way it did and you probably won’t like the explanation.

'One step at a time': Paralyzed Humboldt Bronco player happy with spinal surgery results - CBC News
A hockey player paralyzed in a bus crash has been working hard since undergoing spinal surgery in Thailand late last year and it's getting him closer to his dream of making the national sledge hockey team.

From The Branches