Toronto Maple Leafs: Kapanen Recalled, Gauthier Sent Down

Early this morning, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced they had recalled Kasperi Kapanen from the Toronto Marlies, with Frederik Gauthier being loaned back in a corresponding move.

Kapanen’s inevitable promotion to the Toronto Maple Leafs has been a long time coming. He has absolutely torn up the AHL this season, proving on a nightly basis that he has simply outgrown the league.

Gauthier, on the other hand, may have suited up for his final game as a Leaf last night.

While his recovery from a serious injury over the summer was nothing short of remarkable, he quite frankly did not perform well enough in this recent call-up.

Now, on his way back to AHL yet again, the clock is ticking for Gauthier, leaving his future decidedly murky.

As a former first-round pick from 2013, it would certainly be less than shocking for the organization to have begun growing restless. In fact, no one would blame them for feeling like they’ve gifted Gauthier ample time to prove himself at the NHL level.

So far, it just hasn’t clicked.

Kapanen’s Role

While Kapanen has taken great strides in rounding out his two-way game this season, the answer to the question of how effective he’ll be will ultimately rest in his usage.

Simply put, he is not a 4th liner.

For Kapanen to be his most dangerous self, it’s crucial for him to be utilized in a way that maximizes his strengths, namely his incredible speed. In that case, playing in a top-9 role is all but necessary, where he’ll benefit from lining up alongside one of the Leafs skilled centres-

Damn it.

Well, at least Leo Komarov has now been mercifully relegated to fourth line duty. You gotta walk before you can run I guess, right?

In all seriousness, Kapanen’s presence immediately transforms the Leafs already effective penalty kill into a lethal force. With the trend of sending skilled players out to kill penalties sweeping the league, Kapanen fits the mould perfectly.

In fact, he’s already demonstrated his ability to score shorthanded goals at will with the Marlies.

How do you possibly defend someone coming at you that fast? If Mike Babcock plays his cards right, that’s a question opposing players will be forced to answer on a nightly basis.

Test Time

The previous year’s playoffs withstanding, this is now the biggest test of Kapanen’s young career.

Being shuttled back and forth between the NHL and AHL a dizzying amount this season is never a fun position to be in. Now, he finds himself teetering on the cusp of stability.

Kapanen finally has the chance to become a full-time NHLer.

If, and only if, he can prove up to the challenge, today’s early morning streetcar ride from Ricoh to the ACC may have been the last one he’ll ever take.

Next: Rinat Valiev Called Up

For now, Kapanen’s fate rests in his own, silky hands.