One of the most baffling things I read while working as a coach with the Toronto Marlies over the past year was media analysis of Maple Leafs prospects that placed Kasperi Kapanen anywhere below, well, number one.



That probably seems obvious after watching him with the Leafs last spring, when he scored a few big goals and became a mainstay in the lineup in the post-season. But back in February, a few in the local media dismissed him — I assume because he was a top prospect who hadn’t reached the NHL yet — despite his age (still young), his numbers (great) and the reality that very few writing about him took the time to watch him play with any regularity.



Kapanen turned 21 a month ago and has two full seasons left on his entry-level contract. He scored a point-per-game in the AHL at age 20 — not common — while demonstrating elite foot speed and a great shot. I haven’t included him in the “three Toronto Marlies”...