Kapanen Slides in Seamlessly
Kapanen will take Nylander’s spot on the top line. The playoffs showcased his confidence and a skill set which will translate well on Matthews’ wing. It appears the Leafs got a big game player as part of the return for Phil Kessel. There are scorers, then there are players who elevate their games when the stakes are the highest.
During Kapanen’s hockey career, he has shown the ability to score when the stakes are highest.
In nearly every trade proposal, I find Kapanen thrown in as an afterthought. When your team finds a “big game player” you do not trade that asset.
Tyler Bozak is not a 4th line centre. Nevertheless, unless traded he has one year remaining on his contract. Last season he was the 7th best face-off man in the league and we know the importance Babcock places on face-offs. With less offensive responsibility, Bozak can focus on his defensive game while establishing a line that is difficult to play against.