Analyst says Leafs must ditch Jani Hakanpaa

The Toronto Maple Leafs appeared to secure the services of Dallas Stars defenseman Jani Hakanpaa on the first day of the NHL free-agency period, reportedly signing him to a two-year deal worth $4 million.

However, the reported deal has yet to be formally announced by the club, and it's a distinct possibility that his career could be finished owing to a knee injury for which he underwent surgery in March; he's not played since then and was unavailable for the Stars' second straight run to the Western Conference Final. 

“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.

The ball is now in general manager Brad Treliving's court.

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