The biggest question for me with regards to Kapanen was his hockey sense. Too often it seemed like he had no idea where he should be on the ice.
RW Kasperi Kapanen (2014, 22nd, PIT; traded to TOR)
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The biggest question for me with regards to Kapanen was his hockey sense. Too often it seemed like he had no idea where he should be on the ice.
Stephen
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- Feb 28, 2002
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I've only ever read that he has strong hockey sense but an inconsistent motor.
King Mapes
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In case you're unaware this is actually a thread about Kapanen not Kessel. Stay on topic or you will be removed.
Not sure where the bottom 6 comments are coming from, this kid is a dynamic forward prospect, all signals point to top 6 winger judging by his size, skating, puck handling, offensive prowess.
McMatthews
Registered User
If he was born 40 days later, he'd be eligible for the 2015 draft.
He doesn't turn 19 years old for another 3 weeks. He's still 18 years old.
I like him as a prospect. He was on my list of prospects I wanted with the 8th pick last year.
He doesn't turn 19 years old for another 3 weeks. He's still 18 years old.
I like him as a prospect. He was on my list of prospects I wanted with the 8th pick last year.
Joey24
Registered User
He was on a lot of people's lists for the 8Th pick last year.
He has potential to be an excellent player but he seems to be a bit inconsistent in terms of effort. But there is no questioning his skill level it's top notch, skating, speed, offensive instincts, puck skills. Etc etc.
Like every prospect he may bust but he has a pretty enticing skill set that make him a top tier prospect. Its up to him to reach that potential. It's. Now up to toronto to put or make sure he's in the right environment to help him achieve this.
kelsier
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- Aug 17, 2013
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Which is why I specifically used the term "good to great". Great is often used as a synonym for elite (atleast in the hfboards). One could as well say Rantanen is a great skater, especially bringing the age and size factors on the table.
I would say that's an understatement saying their biggest difference is being playing without the puck. It's actually not even accurate. Rantanen has the ability to make other players around him a lot better than they are, while Kapanen is more of an solo artist and hasn't yet learned to used his team mates. This is the difference maker and definately bigger issue than playing off the puck, if you want to compare them as players - which is rather pointless while they aren't much alike. There are other elements in their games that bring them apart to single out one and assessing it as the most significant.
In the end Rantanen is further ahead in the developement and has higher ceiling. That's not to say Kapanen cannot become a great player one day and he has a chance to become a better goal scorer the very least.
#66
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- Dec 30, 2003
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Yup... Just some thoughts I took away from watching him.
Nimble skating and a good stickhandler but its his shot that makes him IMO. Hair trigger release on his snap shot and he sets himself up to get it off well. He really needs to get stronger and play in the muck at least a little bit. I don't think he's even close to being NHL ready.
One thing I really didn't like about him is that he seems entitled because he's a players son. Hoping I'm wrong on that or maybe I just saw the wrong games but he did come across as disinterested and really soft even though some high end skill was there.
Projection if he hits his upside.... A more skating/ modern day Petr Sykora.
Risingwind
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- Feb 26, 2015
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I'd rather compare Rantanen with Barkov than Kaps. Kapanen is very much a pure winger but I think Rantanen has the potential to be a center too, even in NHL. Not as good at shutdown as Barkov, but that's another topic. Rantanen and Kapanen could maybe be compared but I think the only useful conclusion that can be made is that they're a different type of player.
I haven't really followed Kapanen in much detail, but I expected him to play for WBS Penguins and get some callups and find a roster place for the 16-17 season. If he plays for Marlies it should be the same general scenario, unless there's suddenly a lot of space in the TML roster. And if he has suddenly become a bust -- Well, that's news to me. Should be a decent NHL winger in a couple years, still a 2nd/3rd line projection. A 1st line NHL projection would need something new and different from him. Maybe 50 goals in AHL would do it?
I haven't really followed Kapanen in much detail, but I expected him to play for WBS Penguins and get some callups and find a roster place for the 16-17 season. If he plays for Marlies it should be the same general scenario, unless there's suddenly a lot of space in the TML roster. And if he has suddenly become a bust -- Well, that's news to me. Should be a decent NHL winger in a couple years, still a 2nd/3rd line projection. A 1st line NHL projection would need something new and different from him. Maybe 50 goals in AHL would do it?
WilliamNylander
Papi's home
- Jul 26, 2012
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He'll get a full year with the Marlies this year.
Seems like Leafs don't have plans to bring up many (if any) new kids this year with the FA signing they have made. Marlies will have a very young, talented roster though.
We may see Brown-Nylander-Kapanen together.
Seems like Leafs don't have plans to bring up many (if any) new kids this year with the FA signing they have made. Marlies will have a very young, talented roster though.
We may see Brown-Nylander-Kapanen together.
TheLeastOfTheBunch
Franchise Centre
Not sure if he will get any callups from the Leafs next season. Toronto has a number of guys who are a bit more ready for the show than Kapanen (Nylander, Brown, Leivo, etc).
Kap is still only 18, and will likely spend a few years in the AHL rounding his game. Marlies new HC Sheldon Keefe will certainly help him in that regard
Kap is still only 18, and will likely spend a few years in the AHL rounding his game. Marlies new HC Sheldon Keefe will certainly help him in that regard
Pyrophorus
Registered User
Was he drafted in the CHL?
Could he go?
If not I think Keefe should get the diamond polish out.
Could he go?
If not I think Keefe should get the diamond polish out.
He has already played and performed in the AHL (1G 1A in 4 AHL reg games and 2G 3A in 7 AHL playoff games).
Hes staying in the AHL most likely.
The Greatest 101
Registered User
Big McLargehuge
Fragile Traveler
He wasn't drafted in the CHL, though even if he was KalPa would be a better option.
The AHL is the best place for him next year, and that's where he'll be.
As a Flyers fan and a huge Sami fan, made me sick seeing the Pens draft him. He had a really uninspiring year though. I can root for him again though so heres to hoping he picks it up this year.
Uncle Scrooge
Hockey Bettor
I wouldn't say his season was 'uninspiring'. Sure, it wasn't all fireworks but to be fair he did start the season with like 15 points in 15 games in the FEL. And IIRC he had a minor injury before the juniors which really slowed down his production and once he starts to have a rough time it can be difficult for a player like him to pick it up again. It's all about confidence for Kasperi.
He did finish the season pretty strong though both in Finland and in the AHL so i wouldn't worry about this season is particular.
What i am worried about is to me he's a very risky player. Has the tools to be a top 6 scoring winger but will the consistency be there ? I'd say there's a 50/50 chance. Like a year ago i was confident he's got what it takes but right now im not so sure.
I kinda hope he becomes a floater with no physical game. We could call him Kasperi the friendly ghost.
I think this hits the bullseye.
I think Kapanen has a belief of being born to play in the NHL,he's 3rd generation hockey family, all of this until now has been - the path of the prodigal son
At the end of the 13-14 season, poor WJC, I thought he was way overrated. Then he nearly makes the Penguins from camp - an eyebrow lifted, wait what?
Then he has a strong season for Kalpa - again at times disinterested, another abysmal WJC and you again start to think. Hrm..
Then 5 point in 7 AHL playoff games, or how did he do? The eyebrow lifts again.. something doesn't fit.
Popcorn time
If you are an optimist - Kapanen will be inspired by being on the roster of the legendary Maple Leafs, work his ass off in the summer, surprise everyone in camp and walk into the Maple Leafs roster. Yo-yo between top-6 and AHL because he needs to bulk up. Once he does, solid second line winger, the sort every team wants
If you are a pessimist - Kapanen will continue as now, every now and then he will have a hot streak or flash and everyone will think he's destined for top-6 time, and then all of a sudden he will fizzle out again. He'll be traded 4-5 times, finally someone get's to him like Keenan to Olli Jokinen. And he will have a handful of good years before going back home. Good career, but disappointment compared to the potential he had
The only place I have read about "inconsistent effort" is here on HF boards by posters. Everywhere else I have heard he is an exceptional skater with a high motor and works hard. They suggest he has a pro work ethic because of his Dad.
tooncesmeow
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X66
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There is no denying that he has immense potential, and the goals he was scoring in the AHL were goals he was typically said he would try to avoid(tough areas of the ice).
He's not going to be in the NHL next year or the year after, and that's great, because the Leafs are going to take their sweet time to develop him properly , for the first time in ages.
He's not going to be in the NHL next year or the year after, and that's great, because the Leafs are going to take their sweet time to develop him properly , for the first time in ages.
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