Nylander has 18 points in 18 games (7-11), and Kapanen currently sits at 16 in 18 (9-7) while skating in the nations’ top leagues, the Swedish Hockey League, and the SM-Liiga.

While they are both undersized (slightly) and obviously not close to being strong enough for the NHL yet, their natural skillsets will propel them into scoring roles within the next two years as they work on bulking up.

Nylander, a centerman like his elder, stands at 5-11 174 lbs and possesses very high end skating, shooting and puck-handling ability. He uses his excellent agility and hockey sense to weave in and out of traffic at high speed, with the puck seemingly glued to his stick displaying an impressive array of dangles, then releases an effortless wrist shot that has a penchant for finding the top corner. His quick release just might have something to do with that.

For much of his NHL career, Michael was jokingly mocked for his refusal to shoot the puck, instead always trying to find (and usually succeeding) the open man. William on the other hand does not need to be told to shoot, as questions have even risen regarding his confidence. Is he too selfish? Or is it a good trait for a young player to believe in himself that much? Time will tell, but I personally like it. In the NHL when he plays with players he has no choice but to respect he will dish the puck when it’s appropriate, and shoot when needed.

Kapanen, can play all three forward positions, but I fully expect him to continue his development as a winger. He uses his extremely quick feet to drive the net, and matches them with even quicker hands. He has a knack for making clutch, exciting plays for his team. Probably because he plays with such an evident passion for the game. A guy everyone wants to have on their team, and someone you know his teammates love. Comparable to a Brandon Gallagher in that way, but with a much higher skill level.

Kapanen plays the game at a high speed, and loves to rip pucks at the net. He is extra dangerous with the man advantage because of his ability to eat up space, and will certainly make an impact in the NHL in that regard once he gains a little experience.

Defensively, both of them could improve as could all young players, but they are much further along than a lot of 18 year olds who have their offensive ability.  Nylander is a full-time center so he holds more responsibility, and makes an effort but as previously stated, has a long way to go before he is deemed a shutdown center by any means.

Kapanen is probably the better defensive forward at this point, as he uses his range to cover a lot of space. His hockey IQ gets him in the right lanes to breakup pucks, and perhaps an underrated talent, the ability to break the puck out of his own zone (passing, breaking up a play or skating it himself).

The contrast in style would make for a great duo. Nylander is calm, extremely focused, and confident, perhaps over-confident at times. He barely even celebrates, as if he’s just doing his job. Whereas Kapanen is a high energy player with a flair for the dramatic.  It’s too bad they couldn’t get drafted by the same team because I think the two styles complement each other very well and it would make for a nice story line to follow throughout their careers.

Expect Nylander to make the bigger impact sooner, as I expect him to become the Maple Leafs number one centerman before the calender turns to 2016. His star shone bright in his short appearance during the pre-season, even playing on a line with Phil Kessel and scoring a goal.

He will anchor their offense for many, many years and I believe he is the best offensive talent they have had since Sundin.

Kapanen could be playing alongside Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin as soon as next season, and will immediately make an impact on the score sheet. A 20-goal rookie season is not out of the question if he stays healthy and receives regular ice-time. He will be a top-six forward for years, one you want to own in your league.