3 Toronto Maple Leafs Breakout Candidates for Next Season

1. Kasperi Kapanen – 23 years old – RW

2019-20 stats – 69 GP – 13 G – 23 A – 36 PTS – 51.63 CF%

Finally at my number one spot I have the Toronto Maple Leafs biggest trade chip,, Kasperi Kapanen.

I know Kapanen already had a 40 point season  and was on pace for another 40 point season this year, but I think if he can potentially hit 60 points.

Kapanen   still has some flaws in his game but nevertheless is a great piece to have on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He’s fast, strong, has a good shot (only when he actually hits the net), great penalty killer and also plays on the second power play unit. All in all, a lot of good attributes to his game that will help him grow as a player and help the team out too.

Now like I was saying about him potentially hitting the 60 point mark next year if he plays a full 82 game season or at least close to one, I can see him doing that but just like Sandin there’s going to have to be things that will happen.

He has to remain on that second power play unit and remain in the top nine at that right wing spot, we have seen Kapanen play in the top six and it has not gone to plan multiple times and he isn’t the greatest when he plays on his off wing either.

At the time of the pause due to COVID-19 he was on the second line alongside John Tavares and Mitch Marner and I think despite his troubles he could maybe get his scoring touch back on the top six playing alongside elite players like those guys. (Stats from NHL.com).

We saw in the beginning of last season when Kapanen played in the top six alongside Auston Matthews when William Nylander was in his contract holdout, they were clicking and it was fun thing to watch.