Kasperi Kapanen down, Frederik Gauthier up

According to the team’s official Twitter account, the Maple Leafs have loaned Kasperi Kapanen to the Marlies (AHL) and have recalled Frederik Gauthier in his place.

Kapanen is stuck behind a deep roster of wingers and has only played in three games with the Leafs this season. When he has played, he’s been solid, but it’s better for his development as a player to get prime ice time with the Marlies rather than occasionally slotting in on the Leafs fourth line.

Gauthier has two points in eight games with the Marlies so far this season. Obviously offence isn’t game and Gauthier will be given a chance to see if he can be superior to Dominic Moore as the team’s fourth line centre. If he can’t, I imagine we’ll be seeing Miro Aaltonen, who had a strong pre-season showing, as the next call-up.

Both Gauthier and Kapanen can be called up and down without having to be exposed to waivers.