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Toronto Maple Leafs: Upgrade on Nikita Soshnikov

By Andrew Boehmer |
Apr 13, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) makes a save on Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Kasperi Kapanen (28) in the second period in game one of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) makes a save on Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Kasperi Kapanen (28) in the second period in game one of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs usual fourth line right winger Nikita Soshnikov is still out and that’s a good thing.

Yes, the Toronto Maple Leafs have opted to play Soshnikov over Kasperi Kapanen in the 2016-17 regular season.

To me, it doesn’t make a lot of sense.

They chose him over Kapanen, plain and simple.

The only reason why Kapanen has seen ice time this year is because of an undisclosed injury to Soshnikov near the end of the regular season, which is why he’s still out.

By the way, I’m not hating on Soshnikov. I like him and the role he’s played this year.

But, Kapanen is the better choice out of the two moving forward. He had a strong preseason, recording two goals and one assist, but it clearly wasn’t good enough to land him a spot on the roster.

They didn’t give him the proper look like they did with Soshnikov.

Let’s face it, Soshnikov’s biggest reason for being in the lineup all year over Kapanen was because of his ability to kill penalties.

He’s good at it too, I’m not denying that. However, I’d argue that he’s gotten better over time, which is probably the one reason why Kapanen didn’t replace him earlier in the season.

But, folks, the Leafs have plenty of good penalty killers on the team capable of handling the job.

That being said, let me give you some quick reasons why Kapanen is an upgrade over Soshnikov based on a talent analysis of the two.

Quick Hits

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Soshnikov is small but feisty. He’s the kind of player that will crash the net and get in your face, someone you’d like on your own team.

His biggest advantage is his ability to be utilized on the penalty kill due to his tenacious work ethic but he lacks the offensive prowess in comparison to Kapanen to stand out in that regard.

Kapanen plays a fast and skilled game, utilizing his above average hockey IQ to outsmart opponents. He is underestimated because of his small frame, which should be viewed as an advantage in certain circumstances.

Although he hasn’t produced at the NHL level as far as point production goes, he adds a more useful grit style to the fourth line than Soshnikov does.

Both are grit guys, but the definition between the two varies. Soshnikov will play a more physical game and Kapanen will play a more skilled game.

Again, both grit.

If their both going to play a grit game, then why not play the one with more offensive potential?

I know the statistics aren’t there to back up my argument quite yet. But, just watch how Kapanen plays.

You’ll be amazed at how well he can handle the puck.

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