BREAKING: Toronto Maple Leafs Now Signed A Two-Year, $3 Million Contract With Another Top Experienced Superstar
The Intriguing Story Of Jani Hakanpaa and Maple Leafs, Now Re
Defenseman Jani Hakanpaa just inked a two-year, $3 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to multiple reports from hockey insiders. Hakanpaa is a member of the Leafs team even on the soon-to-be-defunct CapFriendly. Hakanpaa had a significant knee injury earlier this year, which has raised questions about the signing’s legitimacy.
Not only is it unclear whether Hakanpaa has signed a contract in writing, but Mark Masters of TSN highlighted these worries in a conversation with Jay Onrait on SC, pointing out that there has been no formal confirmation of Hakanpaa’s position with the Leafs. There are concerns regarding the Leafs’ decision-making in free agency if the massive d-man joins the squad.
Will Hakanpaa be visiting Toronto?
Upon his announcement, Hakanpaa, a large defenseman renowned for his muscular presence, pleased Maple Leafs supporters. Hakinpaa was a crucial piece of the jigsaw as general manager Brad Treliving tried to reorganize the blue line and make them more difficult to play against, which included adding Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
But now there are concerns over Hakanpaa’s availability for the forthcoming season.
Masters underlined these worries, pointing out that they asked to speak with the defenseman for an interview but were instructed to hold off because the team hadn’t officially announced the acquisition. The fact that Hakanpaa’s deal is still pending validates the seriousness of his knee ailment, and the Leafs are at least receiving further information to make sure the player is healthy. Hakanpaa hasn’t played since mid-March, thus he missed the Dallas Stars playoffs, Masters said. His level of fitness is now seriously questioned as a result.
Masters stated, “He’ll help a penalty kill that was 23rd overall last season and really killed them early in that playoff series against Boston if he is able to play and they make that signing official.” The potential contribution of Hakanpaa in this area was considered as a huge boost, given the Maple Leafs’ penalty kill was a major problem during the previous season. What happens if he is unable to play?
The Situation at Hakanpaa Knee May Be Worse Than People Believe
Steve Simmons, a journalist in Toronto, added to the conjecture over Hakanpaa’s health. Simmons claims that serious warning signs about Hakanpaa’s knee health have been raised by sources, raising the possibility that he may never be able to play in the NHL again. “I was told that his bone-on-bone knee was apparently shot,” he clarified. Two sources informed me that they didn’t believe a team would sign him.
Masters claims that Hakanpaa’s situation is unknown, but Simmons revealed that the Leafs’ medical staff evaluated him and gave him the all-clear. Simmons clarified, “I inquired with the Leafs on this. They asserted that he was approved by their physicians to be signed. We’ll find out if he can play again in the autumn, or perhaps later. Hakanpaa had an arthroscopic operation on his knee following the season, but Stars General Manager Jim Nill said that no other procedures were anticipated. Why, therefore, are the Leafs keeping everything so quiet?
In any case, the Maple Leafs and their fan base have reason to be concerned about all of this. Hakanpaa, 32, isn’t the fastest defenseman in the world, but a persistent knee injury would make him slower than usual. Prior to his injury, he enjoyed a successful season with the Stars, averaging 18:38 of ice time and tallying 10 goals and 10 assists in 64 games. But how will unresolved matters impact his performance?
Hakanpaa’s health is still unknown, which has a negative impact on his signing. It’s the appropriate move if the Maple Leafs are taking their time and waiting to sign him until they are certain he is healthy. Did the Maple Leafs just get themselves into a lot of difficulty if he has already signed and the organization isn’t releasing the news because they also want to give an update on his health?
The Leafs may find themselves in a similar hazardous scenario as they were with John Klingberg if Hakanpaa’s knee problems continue. The success of such signing is known to the fans.
