— Elliotte Friedman The deal, per Friedman, also sees defenceman Jesper Lindgren headed to Pittsburgh, with Toronto potentially receiving a first-round draft pick in what is looking like a cap-clearing move for the Maple Leafs.
TOR D prospect Jesper Lindgren also going to PIT. Sounds like a first-rounder is key part of return. TOR clearing spaceKapanen has two seasons remaining on his current contract, a three-year, $9.6-million extension signed in June 2019, and carries a $3.2-million cap hit. Both clubs involved in the trade were ousted in the qualifying round of the NHL’s 24-team return-to-play, making off-season changes a certainty following another disappointing post-season.
This deal brings things full-circle for Kapanen, who was Pittsburgh’s first-round pick in 2014. The winger never actually suited up for the Penguins, as he was part of the 2015 blockbuster that sent Phil Kessel to the Penguins in 2015. Kapanen, 24, tallied 41 goals and 90 points in 202 regular-season games across parts of five seasons with the Maple Leafs — a speedy complementary piece who has been plugged into various spots up and down the lineup with many top-six placements over the past few campaigns. He had his most productive season in 2018-19, during which he registered career-highs across the board: 20 goals, 24 assists, and 44 points through 78 games.
FriedgeHNIC And he has a breakout season, & plays well beyond his pay grade. Good job
FriedgeHNIC Terrific.
FriedgeHNIC I have no faith in the MapleLeafs leadership at this point, so wake me up when it’s over⚡️
FriedgeHNIC The one guy that plays with heart and you trade him.
FriedgeHNIC Now they need to trade a few more. Here comes the haters comments lol, Marner, Nylander,Spezza etc,etc,etc. Keep Reilly, Travers, Muzzin, Hymin, Johansen, Robertson and maybe a couple others. We need grit and depth. Guys like Naz, Brown. Awesome grit and depth players.
FriedgeHNIC That sucks! Kappy has proven himself. Solid player. Very manageable salary. Is Dubas ultimately trying to improve the Leafs or other teams
FriedgeHNIC Favourite player in the league from my hometown team, going to my most hated team... this is gonna be a tough transition
FriedgeHNIC For....?
FriedgeHNIC For Crosby right?
FriedgeHNIC For Murray
FriedgeHNIC Can we ship Dubas somewhere also
FriedgeHNIC what a waste of money
FriedgeHNIC Stackhouse and Kehoe in return.
FriedgeHNIC Bozak, Kessel, Kadri.... Cup Winners? Now, Kapannen.. Ouch.. Better be a goalie comin back--coz no one skates like this kid..
FriedgeHNIC You can make trades before the postseason is done
FriedgeHNIC For Jack Johnson 😂