In a somewhat surprising move, the Toronto Maple Leafs have scratched winger Kasperi Kapanen ahead of Saturday night's game against the Ottawa Senators.
The scratch is somewhat peculiar, given that there was no reason provided for the scratch. Leafs defenseman Travis Dermott is confirmed out with the flu, so there is a possibility that Kapanen has come down with the same ailment.
Originally, there was some speculation that the arm injury that Kapanen had suffered earlier in the week when the Leafs took on the Preds may have played a role in his absence, however Sportsnet's Luke Fox has confirmed that the absence is not injury-related.
It's no secret that the Maple Leafs have been in the market for a right handed defenseman for the bulk of this season, so many have begun to speculate that Kapanen being scratch is for precautionary reasons while Leafs GM Kyle Dubas finalizes a trade.
Kapanen is in attendance at Scotiabank Arena, sitting up in the press box, which may mean the scratch was purely disciplinary. One way or another, we will find out the reason for the scratch following tonight's game as Sheldon Keefe has promised an update at that time.
-
