Future Watch: Kasperi Kapanen Hockey Rookie Cards, LeafsFuture Watch: Kasperi Kapanen Hockey Rookie Cards, Leafs – Kasperi Kapanen is the son of longtime NHLer, Sami Kapanen. Like his dad, Kasperi has a chance to be an impact player in the NHL. When that will happen is the million dollar question.

At 5′-11″, 180lbs, Kasperi Kapanen was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins 22nd overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. During the summer of 2015, he was involved in the trade that sent Phil Kessel from he Toronto Maple Leafs to the Steel City.

Last year, the 20-year old winger played his first professional season. He spent 44 games with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League. During that season it was clear that his defense had improved and now the franchise is waiting for more of his offense to emerge. He had 9 goals and 25 points during that span. However, many experts believe he will eclipse that this season. An early season injury stunted his late developing offense. He also scored 8 points in 14 playoff games which was a decent showing for him and proved valuable in terms of experience.

As a reward last season he got a nine game stint with the Leafs. He played well despite not scoring any points. It was another learning experience and a look at what his life could look like when he becomes an NHL regular.

This prospect has a knack for big goals. He scored the game-winning goal for Team Finland to seal a gold medal victory in the World Junior Championships. He also tallied two points in a big Game 7 win against the Albany Devils to advance in the playoffs. A lot was made of these goals and rightly so.

Kasperi Kapanen currently has NHL licensed rookie cards in 2016-17 Upper Deck MVP Hockey and 2016-17 O-Pee-Chee Hockey. Collectors can be assured that Kapanen will be heavily featured in upcoming 2016-17 Upper Deck hockey products including:

For Toronto Marlie and AHL fans, Kapanen has cards in 2015-16 Upper Deck AHL Hockey as well.

Here’s a montage of his goals:

Kapanen has led Team Finland and the Marlies at times. Maple Leaf fans would like him to be a big part of their offense in the near future.

Future Watch: Kasperi Kapanen Hockey Rookie Cards, Leafs – Image Gallery

 

Future Watch: Kasperi Kapanen Hockey Rookie Cards, Leafs
Russ Cohen

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