The Toronto Maple Leafs made several notable signings at the start of free agency, including defensemen Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, as well as goaltender Anthony Stolarz. However, one of their anticipated additions has yet to be finalized after nearly two months.
Defenseman c, who spent the last three seasons with the Dallas Stars, was reported to have agreed to a two-year, $3 million deal ($1.5 million AAV) with the Maple Leafs on July 1. Shortly after, concerns emerged about a knee injury he sustained toward the end of last season. Stars GM Jim Nill noted that Hakanpaa had an arthroscopic knee procedure but wasn’t expected to require further surgery.
The extended delay raises doubts about Hakanpaa’s potential to play for the Leafs. TSN’s Chris Johnston recently discussed the situation on TSN Radio 1050’s “First Up.”
“He didn’t actually sign. The confusion stems from the Leafs’ intention to sign him on July 1. Brad Treliving expressed excitement about adding Hakanpaa, but it seems the delay is due to concerns about his knee injury,” Johnston explained. “His knee is essentially bone on bone at this point. While the player believes he can continue playing, medical opinions may be casting doubt on that. We’ll have to see if they ultimately sign him.”
Johnston added, “The prolonged delay is not a positive sign. When they named Auston Matthews captain a couple of weeks ago, Brad Treliving mentioned that he thought the situation would be resolved soon. However, as time goes on without a contract, it seems less likely he will end up with one. The outlook doesn’t seem very encouraging right now.”
Hakanpaa, 32, last played on March 16, when the Stars defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-1. He concluded the regular season with 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) in 64 games and did not participate in Dallas’ Western Conference Final run.
Drafted in the fourth round by the St. Louis Blues in 2010, Hakanpaa made his NHL debut during the 2019-2020 season with the Anaheim Ducks. Over 288 career games, he has tallied 45 points (15 goals, 30 assists) while averaging just over 18 minutes of ice time.
The hope is that Hakanpaa will return to play soon, but the latest updates suggest his health issues may pose a significant obstacle.
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