Proposal: Kapanen for Virtanen

[WilliamNylander]

Why would Toronto add?

Kapanen is better than Virtanen at literally everything.

 

[Liferleafer]

A very polite pass. Not sure why a Leaf fan would propose this actually, it's like he hasn't watched either player all year...

 

[SprDaVE]

Very unnecessary for the Leafs.

 

[NarcoPolo]

easy no from the leafs.

 

[ViewsFromThe6ix]

I'd like to acquire virtanen, seems like he would thrive in this organization with a fresh start. Not at the cost of Kap though, he is looking like a world beater right now and may be a late bloomer

 

[LeafGrief]

While I think the Leafs would do well to add Virtanen and that he does still have upside, there is no way that I'd trade Kapanen for him. After his impressive draft year, he has seen his value steadily decline. Kapanen is finally trending upwards, so why would we switch from an appreciating to a depreciating asset? Virtanen can still be a good player, but I'm not willing to overpay for a player that is already a reclamation project.

 

[Commander Clueless]

While the concept of Virtanen on the Leafs intrigues me, I admit Kapanen's recent surge makes me reluctant to trade him at all.

 

[TMLeafs18]

After what virtanen did at the world juniors I would never want him on my team. Stupid I know but he is still one of my least favorite players.

Being serious Kap was a huge piece in the Kessel deal. Things are really working for him he looks to be a top six guy that already has tons of chemistry with Willy. No way I'm trading him right now unless you are upgrading on d or getting over paid huge which they are not here.

 

[HockeyGuruPitka]

This is an intriguing trade proposal.

Leafs have an abundance of skill, however it may be a good idea to start acquiring players to fill specific roles.

If Babcock could get Virtanen to play a similar style to Hyman it may be a good trade. JVR is likely out of the door this year or next so it would be good to start looking for his replacement.

Not sure Kapanen/Virtanen value is equal, however i do think Virtanen has a lot of untapped potential. If a trade like this were to happen, it would need to happen now before the Canucks completely ruin his development.

 

[Omac13]

Which side would have the +

Virtanen is severely miscast on a mismanaged team. I believe he can still be a very effective player. He brings things the Leafs prospects lack (physicality, grit, shot). Would compliment players like Matthews and Nylander very well.

Kapanen has been tearing up the AHL, and would likely be on Vancouver's team right now.

Virtanen had significantly higher draft pedigree, Kapanen is doing well right now (has had consitency issues in the past)

The Only way the leafs would move Kapanen is to get a young D man similar to what Kapanen is right now. Or a veteran about 28 years old that a team is looking to off load a contract. (example Marc Staal type). So hard pass on Virtanen. We have a guy like that in our system already Kirby Rychel

 

[LeafSteel]

I would have a very hard time moving Kapanan, a player with high skill, who is playing well, for a player who is playing below expectations.

If Virtanen could be had for less, I'm open to it, but for that price, I'd rather just see what we have in Rychel.

 

[Leafs87]

lol this seems brutal for Leafs.

Yeah my thoughts exactly. I hear Nucks talking about what a bust he is all the time. Plus in all my viewings of him (limited but still) he's been very underwhelming

 

[Dustin]

Why would Toronto trade a player that they have been taking their time developing and on all accounts has been developing well for a player who seems to have hit a bit of a wall.

Unless it addresses a need (part of a trade for a top 4 Dman) why would the Leafs trade him?

 

[Antropovsky]

For the purpose of need... I see the value for Toronto. Leafs severely lack skilled physical players.

Komarov isn't very offensively productive, not a great shot, not a great playmaker... but typically a great energy player.

Hyman is probably one of the absolute hardest working players in the NHL, and very physical. But he's been an absolute black hole for offense. His linemates are around a ppg, meanwhile he's got one point.

Martin - tough guy who can skate

JVR - Big guy that doesn't play tough

Leafs are stock full of skilled small forwards, who can either skate or produce... Marner, Nylander, Brown, to name a few. Griffith would be added if he was playing... etc.

If leafs felt they could improve their defensive team, with JVR and Bozak... than I'd consider the Kapanen for Virtanen trade. It's not an easy decison at all though.

 

[AuraSphere]

Do you know how to read?

I watch more Leafs/Marlies games than you btw, Don.

Ive been a Kapanen supporter since day one, where as you on the other hand, wanted to trade him last year and look at you this year lol.

Yes I know how to read, you just don't know how to type. You're missing important punctuation which changes the interpretation and flow of your message.

Didn't know you stalked me and counted the number of games I watch....

I still want to trade him? I wanted him traded for a top 4 D and still do. He's made a huge progression from last year, I don't get it, what's there to judge me about?

 

[Sonic Disturbance]

I liked Jake Virtanen in his draft year, but injuries have taken away a lot of his best attributes - shot and physicality. He doesn't hit nearly as often or hard as he used to and his shot looks like it has regressed.

 

[lifelonghockeyfan]

Don't you just love the definition of a "third line physical player" AKA known as "Not NHL good enough to play on the first two lines" Vitranen not good enough to be a Canuck (I know he's young) not good to be a Leaf, especially for the Leafs # 1 prospect.

 

[McMatthews]

In the 15 years that I've closely followed junior hockey and the NHL draft, Jake Virtanen's path to the NHL and the handling of him has to be one of the most tragic.

 

[Antropovsky]

In the 15 years that I've closely followed junior hockey and the NHL draft, Jake Virtanen's path to the NHL and the handling of him has to be one of the most tragic.

An 18 year old as physical as he is...probably should've been let mature and fill out before playing with men.

Hopefully he can turn it around, because his physicality is fun to watch. It's rare to see a player show much interest in the hitting like he does, he hits when he has the puck and when he doesnt haha.

 

[Brock Radunske]

I'm not a leafs fan, but I like the idea for the Leafs. They have a lot of young skill guys and some of them are kind of chippy but Virtanen would be a really good fit with them with his style of aggressive play.

I know it was a tiny sample size but in the most physical game I've seen in years (vs the leafs) he was a complete shadow.

How 'bout Kapanen for Lazar... Lazar has as much value as Virtanen and is a good kid that will shut up and do his job

I like Lazar but I don't think he tops out as more than a good 3c, which once Nylander is ready, Kadri will play.

 

[izzy]

I know it was a tiny sample size but in the most physical game I've seen in years (vs the leafs) he was a complete shadow.

I'm pretty sure he's out of shape and he probably has major confidence issues right now because of how Van is handling him

 

[Kamiccolo]

So we trade a potential first liner for a potential 3rd liner?

 

[Twist and Shout]

I'm pretty sure he's out of shape and he probably has major confidence issues right now because of how Van is handling him

He was obviously rushed and he's still young enough that he can be sent to the AHL this year and potentially turn it around..but why is Vancouver so insistent on gifting him a spot in the lineup?

Edit: My apologies.. they just sent him down? Great news.

 

[PG Canuck]

He was obviously rushed and he's still young enough that he can be sent to the AHL this year and potentially turn it around..but why is Vancouver so insistent on gifting him a spot in the lineup?

Edit: My apologies.. they just sent him down? Great news.

But wait....there's a twist...you may not believe me, but here it is....he is getting sent down for two games. Two. That's it. At least, that is the plan right now.