Yet he's still better then most the prospects to come out of our system for the past decade. I'm okay with it if that's all he is. Keep in mind his dad got better with age.
If that is all he is and the salary cap wasn't an issue, I would agree. Wait it out.
That isn't the case though, unfortunately. The Leafs are in win now mode. When Hyman gets back, Kapanen will go back to his natural RW side. Do the Leafs break up what has arguably been the most consistent line (3rd line) this season? I'm not sure I would break up the chemistry that line has shown.
If he's not playing in the top-9, a $3.2 million 4th liner is not a luxury that the Leafs can afford running a 20/21 man roster when there are issues elsewhere that need to be addressed (bottom pairing D, backup G).
I'd love nothing better than for Kapanen to make me eat my words. But I believe someone will need to be moved so the Leafs can move away from living on a razors edge with regards to depth, and the ability to withstand a couple of injuries. They need NHL quality depth on their roster, not AHL fillers from the Marlies if they really want to make a run at it this season.