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Report: Leafs to let Nylander, Kapanen play at World Juniors

NHL Rookie Tournament Hockey

Toronto Maple Leafs’ William Nylander watches his shot go through the legs of Ottawa Senators goalie Matt O’Connor during the third period of an NHL rookie tournament game Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, in Toronto. (Dave Chidley/The Canadian Press via AP)

AP

Two of the biggest prospects in the Toronto organization look as though they’ll be playing on the international stage this winter.

Per Swedish news outlet Sportexpressen (by way of the Toronto Star), William Nylander and Kasperi Kapanen -- both currently playing with the AHL Marlies -- will be released to participate in the 2016 World Junior Hockey Championships for Sweden and Finland, respectively.

Nylander, the eighth overall pick in ’14, is having a terrific AHL campaign with 26 points in 21 games, challenging for the league’s scoring lead.

Kapanen, taken 22nd overall in that same draft, has also been scoring at a good clip -- nine points in 15 games. Originally drafted by Pittsburgh, he was acquired this summer as part of the Phil Kessel blockbuster.

Both players have participated in previous WJCs. Nylander scored 10 points in seven games at last year’s tourney, helping Sweden to a fourth-place finish while leading the team in scoring.

Kapanen also played in the ’15 tourney but had far less success, scoring just one point in five games for a disappointing Finnish outfit that finished in 7th place.

Related: Strome, Marner highlight Team Canada’s World Junior roster