Maple Leafs analyst suggests team should part ways with Jani Hakanpaa
Photo credit: RDS
The Toronto Maple Leafs made some good moves on the blue line this summer, but after adding veteran Jani Hakanpaa, they may be ready to move on from him.
After struggling on the blue line in 2023/24, the Maple Leafs knew they needed some upgrades this summer, and on the first day of free agency, the added Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Chris Tanev and Jani Hakanpaa. However, there's been some controversy over the past few weeks, with an emerging injury that may keep him out of the lineup for a long time to come, with his future potentially in jeopardy.
Now, one Maple Leafs analyst has urged them to part ways with Hakanpaa, as the signing has still not been made official;
«Any way you slice it, if the Leafs learned anything from the John Klingberg situation last season, it might be in their best interest to walk away outright before anything is officially signed. On paper, Hakanpaa could prove to be a big-time add to a squad looking to bulk up on the blue line. That said, in this scenario, the risk may outweigh the reward,» Alberga wrote.
«If there are any doubts, they should back off immediately �regardless of what the team doctors have to say. There's no need to dish out a multi-year contract to someone with substantial health concerns. Not for anything, but at least Klingberg came in on a one-year deal. Somehow, some way, they found a way to send him off to Robidas Island,» Alberga added.
«If there are any doubts, they should back off immediately �regardless of what the team doctors have to say. There's no need to dish out a multi-year contract to someone with substantial health concerns. Not for anything, but at least Klingberg came in on a one-year deal. Somehow, some way, they found a way to send him off to Robidas Island,» Alberga added.
There's been very little clarification from Toronto as to what is happening with Hakanpaa's injury, but after giving him a two-year deal worth $4 million, cutting ties now would save them enough to be flexible in any moves going forward. Right now, this might be the best move for Toronto, but if Hakanpaa has been cleared and will play, they will likely keep him on, so keep your eyes on this story moving forward.
Source: House of Hockey
Toronto Maple Leafs urged to ditch veteran blue liner Jani Hakanpaa
Toronto Maple Leafs urged to ditch veteran blue liner Jani Hakanpaa
| POLL | ||
20 JUILLET | 79 ANSWERS Maple Leafs analyst suggests team should part ways with Jani Hakanpaa Will Jani Haknapaa play a game with the Maple Leafs in 2024/25? | ||
| Yes | 26 | 32.9 % |
| No | 53 | 67.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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