Toronto Maple Leafs: Kapanen Must Stay on Matthews Line

The Toronto Maple Leafs Kasperi Kapanen, the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, is finally getting the opportunity to show what kind of player he can be.

Head coach Mike Babcock began the season scrambling to find a replacement on the right side of Auston Matthews’ line as William Nylander awaits a new deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Babcock not only found a temporary replacement but may have found a permanent linemate for the superstar centre.

Tyler Ennis started the season as Matthews’ winger, but after a slow start by the team in their first two games,  Babcock made a line swap. This paved the way for Kapanen to get a chance with Matthews.

After five games, Kapanen has put up eight points and is showing his value.

Kapanen’s Improvement Since Last Season

Opportunity has been Kapanen’s best friend this year, averaging more than four minutes more average total ice-time than last season.

Compare Kapanen’s stats from his previous campaign with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has already eclipsed his assists total from last season, in 33 fewer games. Auston Matthews and his near 50% shooting percentage will do that.

Despite the bump from Matthews, it’s not as if anyone can just step in and be a first line player automatically.  Marleau and Enis were not capable of doing so, but Kapanen is proving he is a top-six forward.

What Will Happen When Nylander Arrives

It was reported today that Kyle Dubas has flown to Switzerland to speak with Nylander about a new contract. 

So, what happens when Nylander comes back this season?

Kapanen should stay on the top line, that’s what.

He plays the type of game that opens up space for other players to do their work. Taking advantage of his unmatched speed and agility, he drives hard in the corners and creates plays for others, which has been contributing to Matthews success thus far.

Who should drop to the second line if Kapanen stays, Marleau or Nylander?

Marleau.

Mareau is a nice player, but he’s no first liner at this point in his career.  Nylander is a younger, faster, more skilled forward who has proved that he can play with Matthews and together they are dynamic. When Nylander signs, you can guarantee he will be back on a line with Matthews, and Kapanen will be right there with him.

Granted, we’re only seven games into the season and Kapanen has only played five games with Matthews, but the two’s chemistry has shown to be a perfect match.

However, Nylander and Kapanen play the same position and shoot the same way, which could be problematic. Alexander Ovechkin and Ilya Kovulchuck are good enough to play on their off-wing because of their one-timers and that is something I cannot see Kapanen being on that line for. I see Kapanen playing more of a role in the way Hyman played in years past when playing with Matthews on his off-wing. A hard-nose player who opens space for others.

For Kapanen, this chemistry has paid off and now we’re speaking of a player who may make the Maple Leafs salary cap issues even larger after this season when Matthews, Marner and Kapanen himself need new deals. Nonetheless, this pair of Matthews and Kapanen has proved to be an effective one for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Statistics from Hockey-Reference.com