Kasperi Kapanen, Brendan Leipsic named to AHL All-Star Game

Photo Credit: Christian Bonin/TSGPhoto.com

While the Toronto Marlies have struggled a bit of late, a few of their top young forwards have broken through the team slump to have massive personal seasons to date. Wingers Kasperi Kapanen and Brendan Leipsic have been rewarded for their efforts as such, joining the North Division All-Stars for the 2017 All-Star Classic.

Leipsic is currently Toronto’s points-per-game leader, with 9 goals and 21 assists to give him a total of 30 points in 26 games. Of those 30 points, 10 have come at even strength, and one shorthanded (a goal). Leipsic also has 12 penalty minutes and a game-winning goal.

Kapanen has been a fantastic story this year, having his first pro season that appears to be at a dominant level. In 29 games, the 20-year-old has notched 14 goals and 16 assists for a total of 30 points, 9 of which have come at even strength. Kapanen also has 14 penalty minutes, 85 shots on goal, and three game-winning goals.

Both players missed some time due to injury last month, but have been solid since. Kapanen has a goal and four assists in four games since returning on December 28th, notching a point in every game. Leipsic was pointless in his third game, but had a single goal or assist in the other three.

This year’s All-Star festivities will take place on January 29th and 30th at the PPL Centre in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The Lehigh Valley Phantoms are the host team.