The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly finalizing a one-year, $1.47 million take care of veteran defenseman Jani Hakanpaa, who beforehand performed for the Dallas Stars and was rumored to be becoming a member of the Leafs as early as July 1. The contract was by no means signed, however the Leafs have carried out another enterprise, reworked the deal and finalized issues on Wednesday.
Recognized for his penalty-killing skills, Hakanpaa is anticipated to offer depth on the Leafs’ blue line. Nonetheless, his signing comes at a price, because it pushes Toronto into detrimental wage cap territory, with the staff already tight on cap area. Extra strikes are doubtless coming, together with some demotions and a doable commerce.
Hakanpaa’s damage historical past performed a big function within the negotiations. The Leafs have been stated to have provided him a two-year deal initially however reworked the supply all the way down to solely a single season. A beforehand agreed-upon two-year, $3 million deal was delayed after considerations arose over his knee damage, which required surgical procedure in March 2024. After months of uncertainty, the Maple Leafs opted to decrease the time period and mitigate the chance. This may permit them to guage his well being all through the season.
What Fallout Will This Hakanappa Contract Have In Toronto?
The choice to signal Hakanpaa means the Leafs will doubtless stroll away from veteran Mark Giordano — they have been linked to him in latest talks along with his agent Wealthy Winter. Whereas Hakanpaa brings a right-handed shot and physicality, some critics argue that Giordano is the higher participant, even at his age. He’s doubtless the more healthy of the 2 gamers.
There may even must be some motion on the roster. Conor Timmins is perhaps the odd man out if Hakanpaa can begin the season. Particularly for the reason that Leafs additionally signed veterans Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
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