Babcock believes Kapanen, Johnsson have 'more to give'

The Toronto Maple Leafs lost several veteran forwards to free agency this offseason, and while John Tavares was brought in, the team will rely on younger players to fill out depth roles this year.

Kasperi Kapanen and Andreas Johnsson will both be relied upon as lineup regulars for the 2018-19 campaign, but after Wednesday night's preseason game against the Ottawa Senators, head coach Mike Babcock wasn't very impressed with what he saw out of the two youngsters.

"They've got to be real important players for us, so I expect a lot out of those guys," Babcock said, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston. "They've got more to give, for sure."

Kapanen and Johnsson were held without a point Wednesday and combined for just two shots. Both forwards played pivotal roles for the Maple Leafs down the stretch last season.

After registering 24 points in 28 games with the AHL's Toronto Marlies last year, the 22-year-old Kapanen suited up in 38 games with the big club, tallying seven goals and two assists.

Johnsson, 23, also tore up the AHL, racking up 54 points in as many games before his call-up, during which he recorded three points in nine games and added two more in six postseason contests.

Daily Faceoff projects the two wingers will flank Nazem Kadri on Toronto's third line, but it's possible more ice time will be in the forecast if William Nylander's contract holdout continues into the season.