Jonas Siegel of The Athletic (subscription required) writes that despite talk near the trade deadline of Kasperi Kapanen possibly being moved by the Toronto Maple Leafs, he believes the team isn’t quite ready shop the 23-year-old in an effort to fix the team in other areas.
Rumors surrounding the forward at this past season’s trade deadline, especially when he was late for a practice and healthy scratched for a game as a result. More than that, the Maple Leafs were a team that needed help on the blue line and more depth in other areas, while they were strong at the forward position with players who possessed similar skills. Kapanen seemed to be the name most often mentioned in trade talks.
The often dynamic winger even admits he’d heard the talk, despite not thinking too much about being moved. Seigel noted that Kapanen says he hadn’t spoken with GM Kyle Dubas any potential trade, but is well aware his being moved is a possibility.
Kapanen said of Dubas’ intentions to improve the team:
“I don’t think he wanted to get rid of me, but I understand that hockey is also a business and if there’s something that he couldn’t really turn down then that’s just the nature of hockey, that’s the nature of business.”
Kapanen also probably knows that the Maple Leafs are a team facing some tough decisions this coming season. With so much uncertainty surrounding the salary cap and a likely flat cap of around $81 million, his contract is probably an attractive one that has value since his potential is scary good.
And, because Toronto has a group of forwards they deem untouchable, Kapanen would understand if he wound up elsewhere. Siegel explains:
The Leafs will very likely need to trim salary prior to next season, which means removing at least one semi-prominent player from their current roster. The core four of Auston Matthews, John Tavares, William Nylander and Mitch Marner (almost certainly) isn’t going anywhere, and while Alex Kerfoot and Andreas Johnsson figure to have some trade value, it’s Kapanen — a young-ish, chiseled 6-foot-1 roadrunner with scoring ability, upside, and an attractive contract — who’s sure to attract the most interest.
Will Kapanen Make The Cut?
Dubas, if nothing else, has proven himself to be a creative GM when it comes to fitting in contracts. But, this will be a tight offseason for many clubs. If the Maple Leafs are looking to improve their blue line — one that could take a huge hit after the season officially ends — he’s going to need to do something.
Kapanen appears to be the easiest piece to move with the potential for a greater return.
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