Toronto Maple Leafs prospect rankings: Prospects No. 1-5
No. 1: Kasperi Kapanen
Right wing, Toronto Marlies (AHL)
The rise is complete for Kapanen, from my No. 6 prospect a year ago to No. 2 on my mid term rankings, Kapanen has finally reached No. 1 in my rankings of the Leafs top prospects, and the achievement is well deserved.
More from Tip of the Tower
- Cam Phillips making his mark on Toronto Argonauts offence
- Toronto Argonauts: 4 storylines ahead of matchup against Redblacks
- Federico Bernardeschi ready for new challenge with Toronto FC
- Toronto Argonauts overcome Roughriders in entertaining Touchdown Atlantic
- Buffalo Bills: Von Miller drawing inspiration from Bruce Smith
Only 20 years old, Kapanen has come a long way since arriving in Toronto as the main piece of a Phil Kessel trade nearly two years ago. From a raw prospect with excellent physical gifts, he has developed into a legitimate top six forward who has the ability to score 20-25 goals a season at the NHL level.
An extremely gifted skater, Kapanen showed us his abilities with the Marlies and the Maple Leafs last season. He played at a point per game pace with the Marlies and was a big contributor for the Leafs in not only their playoff push, but also in their first round playoff series against the President’s trophy winning Washington Capitals, scoring three massive goals in 14 games while playing on the fourth line with Brian Boyle.
He has developed into a speedy two-way forward with the ability to play on special teams and a knack for goals as well. I thought he was terrific in the playoffs, using his speed to win puck battles and find pockets of space in the offensive zone. I think Kapanen has established himself as a top nine forward for the Maple Leafs next season and could find himself on a line with Auston Matthews if the offseason and training camp go well.
Next: Development camp players the Leafs could sign
What do you think about our No. 1-5 ranked Toronto Maple Leafs’ prospects? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.