LONDON, ONT.—The Phil Kessel trade has managed to tie Kasperi Kapanen and Tyler Biggs at the hip. For Biggs, the trade was good news, a chance at a fresh start.

For Kapanen, there may be a downside. Kapanen is certainly happy to be part of an organization that is trying to build with youth and skill. But Kessel has historically cast a long shadow.

Tyler Seguin, now of the Dallas Stars, still answers questions about being one of the draft picks the Leafs gave up to get Kessel from Boston in 2009.

Now it may be Kapanen, as the most significant player the Maple Leafs got in return for goal-scoring star in the six-player trade, who may yet end up being compared to Kessel.

“I don’t know how many times I have to answer that question,” said Kapanen. “I’m me. I’m Kasperi Kapanen. I was in the trade. There were other people in the trade. I don’t think you need to compare us. If you want to, that’s fine.

“I’m here to be me and play my style of game.”

It’s probably a bit unfair, but Kapanen’s career, more than that of rookie defenceman Scott Harrington, veteran forward Nick Spaling or whatever first-round pick the Leafs get in 2016, could well determine whether the Leafs got good value from Pittsburgh for Kessel, Biggs and defenceman Tim Erixon.

Biggs, in London with Pittsburgh’s rookies, understands better than most what Kapanen may be exposed to. He says he went through the wringer in Toronto, all eyes on him.

“I can say that comfortably now, I think a lot of guys carry the weight of just playing in Toronto,” said Biggs. “There is a lot of weight there. But it’s a lot of fun. When things are going great, it’s great. When they’re not, they’re not.”

Biggs and Kapanen were both 22nd picks overall, Biggs in 2011 when then-GM Brian Burke traded up to get him; Kapanen in 2014 by Pittsburgh. But the narrative of their young pro careers go opposite directions.

Biggs was deemed in some corners to be a throw-in on the trade to balance out roster limits. He was called a first-round bust.

“I wouldn’t say anybody gave up on me,” said Biggs. “There were unfortunate situations with the injury. But it was only my second year pro. A lot of people say all these things. I’m only 22 years old. I had an opportunity.

“I have no hard feelings toward them. It’s a business. I’m excited to be getting started again.”

While Biggs has struggled through injuries and consistency, Kapanen almost made the NHL last year, one of the final cuts from Pittsburgh’s training camp.

“I didn’t blame myself,” said Kapanen. “I was 18 and trying to make a spot in the Pittsburgh lineup is not the easiest thing in the world.

“Obviously, there’s motivation. I’m starting (Leafs camp) in a couple of days. I’m really excited. I’m going to try to ave fun and enjoy the moment. If’ I’m good enough, they’ll keep me. If not, then I’ll go down (to the Marlies).

Neither Biggs nor Kapanen played Saturday, and both should be in action — against each other — on Sunday night in the Toronto-Pittsburgh tournament finale.

Toronto is still looking for its first win here, dropping a 6-4 decision to Montreal on Saturday in front of about 8,000 at Budweiser Gardens. Defenceman Nikolas Brouillard of the Quebec Remparts, invited on a tryout, led the Leafs with two goals.

In Friday’s opener against Ottawa, Kapanen proved himself to be a dominant forward offensively but suspect defensively.

“I’ve got to get better in the defensive zone,” said Kapanen. “A couple of goals, they were my fault. I have to work on that. Be a good player all around.”

Those were what Marlies coach Sheldon Keefe — behind the bench here — called “coachable” moments. Keefe will most likely be coaching Kapanen this season.

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“We’re really happy with his work habits,” said Keefe. “He’s a really intelligent player. There’s a lot there. He’s got a high skill level. I’m excited to get to know him more.”

Kapanen has pledged to report to the Marlies if he doesn’t make the NHL, learning the North American game. Last year, he returned to Finland when he failed to make the Penguins. He eventually came to the AHL at the end of the Finnish season.

“The game style is different from back home,” said Kapanen. “It’s a more straightforward game over here. In Europe, the ice is bigger and you’ve got more room to handle the puck and make plays here. Everything is going 100 per cent. You have to be fast and quick mentally and on the ice.”

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