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Toronto Maple Leafs: The Top Five Prospect Options

By Andrew Boehmer

TORONTO, ON- SEPTEMBER 25 - Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) and the Leafs listen to the Canadian National anthem as the Toronto Maple Leafs play the Montreal Canadiens in NHL pre-season action at the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto. September 25, 2017. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON- SEPTEMBER 25 - Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) and the Leafs listen to the Canadian National anthem as the Toronto Maple Leafs play the Montreal Canadiens in NHL pre-season action at the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto. September 25, 2017. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
OTTAWA, ON – SEPTEMBER 18: Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Kasperi Kapanen (24) sets up for the faceoff during third period National Hockey League preseason action between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators on September 18, 2017, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Kasperi Kapanen

Here’s where a lot of you are going to disagree, but just hear (read) me out and I’ll try and defend my position.

Kapanen, in my opinion – like many others opinion, is the most highly skilled and talented prospect within the Leafs system, but unlike the number one on my list, he isn’t as NHL proven.

That doesn’t mean that he’s not the best prospect the Leafs have, just not the most NHL proven (not that he’s not ready) and that’s why he’s not number one.

No need to get riled up over this one, okay?

Kappy was drafted 22nd overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft (14 spots after William Nylander) to the Pittsburgh Penguins and was the centerpiece return in the Phil Kessel blockbuster trade.

Pittsburgh signed him to a three-year ELC on July 12, 2014, with a cap hit of $868,333 and his contract will end at the conclusion of the 2018-19 season.

He spent most of the last season with the Marlies, producing 18 goals and 43 points in 43 games played, but wouldn’t take part in their playoff run because he joined the Leafs playoff run.

Before that, he played in eight regular-season games with the Leafs, scoring one very vital goal, adding two more goals in six playoff games, one of which was another vital goal.

Basically, he scores important goals.

Kapanen can still push for a spot, but it’s unlikely he’ll make the squad despite probably earning one to start the season.

His time will come very soon, don’t worry.

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