Friday: During his season-ending press conference, GM Lou Lamoriello announced that Dermott and Johnsson will re-join the Marlies for the playoffs, but Kapanen will be heading to Denmark to take part in the World Championships with Finland.
Thursday: The Toronto Maple Leafs lost a heartbreaking game seven last night against the Boston Bruins, failing to protect a lead in the third period. It’s the end of the season for many of their players, but three names should see some more hockey before they start their summer. Kasperi Kapanen, Andreas Johnsson and Travis Dermott are all eligible for the AHL playoffs, and according to James Mirtle of The Athletic should be sent down before long. The Toronto Marlies continue their series against the Utica Comets tomorrow night.
By midway through the season Kapanen and Dermott had entrenched themselves as full-time players for the Maple Leafs, while Johnsson made his impressive NHL debut near the end of the year. All three look like they have good chances to begin the 2018-19 season in the NHL, though the offseason is an unpredictable period for the young Toronto team. After losing in the first round for the second year in a row, there are tough decisions to be made about the future of the club.
The Marlies meanwhile were one of the best teams in the history of the AHL while this trio was part of the club in the first half. While they dipped slightly down the stretch, Toronto should still be considered a favorite to win the Calder Cup. The added depth will only make them more so.