I absolutely love watching him play. It's been exciting watching him progress over the last few years, from a 7th round pick I'd never heard of to an SHL stud, to a star in the AHL, to a good looking player in the NHL. It's going to be tough for him to crack the Leafs lineup come playoff time, especially if we're healthy. As centers Matthews, Kadri, Bozak, and Plekanec are safely in the lineup obviously. He's not going to take Hyman, Nylander, Marner, Marleau, Brown, or JvR out of the lineup, and Komarov is too important as a penalty killer to scratch in favour of Johnsson. And Kapanen has looked just as good as Johnsson has, both in the AHL and in the NHL, and lately has really started to come into his own as an offensive threat in the NHL. So, unless Komarov stays out for the playoffs, I don't see him staying in the lineup. The question is whether or not we keep him on the roster...if Babcock really likes what he sees, he might be our first choice to come up in case of an injury, over the likes of Leivo, Martin, and Moore. However, he's the Marlies best forward, and they'll need him if they're going to make a shot at the Calder Cup imo...so do the Leafs send him down for the AHL playoffs, and trust veterans Martin and Moore as options to draw in? Hard to say.
Either way, he's definitely going to be an impact player for the Leafs next season imo. With JvR likely gone, and Komarov, Moore, Bozak, and Plekanec possibly/likely leaving, there will definitely be ample space for him in the lineup. Excited to see what he does with that opportunity. Really great instincts, great skater. Fits well with the team!