The pending restricted free agent is enjoying a breakout season of sorts, playing to a roughly 58-point pace, receiving a promotion to the top six, and still remaining a regular contributor on the penalty kill.
For all the talent on the Leafs roster, he provides a unique dimension to the group. Kapanen’s main calling card, of course, is that he is one of the fastest players in the league – and definitely the fastest on the Leafs – which is a great asset for a team hell-bent on launching stretch passes.
He is also one of the only players on the team willing to consistently provide a physical presence on the forecheck (there was a good example against the Boston Bruins where he crushed John Moore, leading to a power play that created a goal).