Toronto Marlies: Midsummer roster preview for the 2017-2018 season

Kasperi Kapanen

Kapanen will not be on the Toronto Marlies next season. That’s because there is no way he doesn’t make the Toronto Maple Leafs out of camp. Kapanen was a point-per-game player before being called up with 18 goals and 25 assists. He grew as a player over the year grounding out his game to the point where Sheldon Keefe was using him on the penalty kill.

He was called up to play on the fourth line when the Leafs were hit with injuries. One thing that could be said about Kapanen’s game in the NHL is that he was clutch. He scored his first NHL goal to tie a very important game against the Pittsburgh Penguins and scored the game winner in double OT in game two of the playoffs.

The 21-year-old is ready to be a full-time NHLer, the only issue is whether the Leafs can fit him in.

Travis Dermott

It was a wierd rookie season for the 2015 second round pick. He had a strong start, but missed some time after suffering from a lower-body injury. It took a while for Dermott to get back to speed, but when he did it showed.

Dermott was easily the Marlies’ best defencemen in the second half of the season. He finished with 5 goals and 19 points in 59 games as well as 5 points in 11 playoff games. His point totals were less than teammate Nielsen, but It was his play away from the puck that put him higher on the organization’s radar. Lou Lamoriello did mention that there was one player that they will be taking a long look at next season. It wouldn’t surprise many if it was Dermott that he was talking about.

Next: Leafs' Prospect Rankings: 1-5

Are you excited for next season’s Marlies roster? Where do you think they will finish? Will Kapanen and/or Dermott make the Leafs out of camp? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.