Editor In Leaf
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Predicting 3 Toronto Maple Leafs Players Who Will Breakout in 2019-20

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 27: Andreas Johnsson #18 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his goal with Ron Hainsey #2, Kasperi Kapanen #24, and Morgan Rielly #44 against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at the Scotiabank Arena on February 27, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 27: Andreas Johnsson #18 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his goal with Ron Hainsey #2, Kasperi Kapanen #24, and Morgan Rielly #44 against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at the Scotiabank Arena on February 27, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 23: Kasperi Kapanen #24 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Boston Bruins in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden on April 23, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 23: Kasperi Kapanen #24 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Boston Bruins in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden on April 23, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Honorable Mentions:

First off, here are a couple of honorable mentions.l that didn’t quite make the cut in my eyes.

Now these two players didn’t make my main list of three players because I felt like they’re already bordering their breakouts. They both have already made huge strides over the years and I’m expecting big things from them. I wouldn’t necessarily call it a breakout if they elevated their game, but I would see it as a non-surprising performance.

William Nylander

We already know what Nylander can bring. After all, he scored 61 points back-to-back in his first two seasons in the league. Although he had a mediocre season last season (Although he was the best Leafs player at driving possession, and creating shots.  He  also posted a positive differential in all major statistical categories) with just 20 points in a shortened season due to contract disputes, we all still know he has a very high potential and an enormous amount of skill.

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Because of this potential and skill, I decided to place him on the honorable mentions list. We know he’s bound to “break out” given a full season and proper playing conditions, most likely playing alongside his running-mate Auston Matthews.

This year might be the year he gets it all together and plays like the player everyone touted him to be. I have a good feeling he will score over 80 points this season, which I’d expect from a player of his caliber. Either way, I hope to see him elevating his game to new heights this upcoming season.

Kasperi Kapanen

Kasperi Kapanen is an interesting case. He scored 44 points last season primarily on a line with Auston Matthews, which means he received a lot more minutes than he’ll  get next season, likely on the third line. However, in a way I think he’ll still breakout by truly finding his game.

Last season, at times it was easy to tell Kapanen had not refined his game, especially when playing on Matthews’ wing. He would often rush into plays and manhandle the puck or cause turnovers trying to keep up.

Although he may not score as many points as he potentially could playing top line minutes, I think by playing with Alexander Kerfoot, he will settle into the player he will truly mold into and be more consistent in all aspects of his game. This type of breakout is just what the Leafs need, someone who can be consistent and dominant night in and night out.

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