Analyst says Leafs must ditch Jani Hakanpaa
Is it time for the Leafs to cut their losses?
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.
One Leafs analyst has suggested that it's time for the team to cut ties with Jani Hakanpaa to avoid a situation similar to that of Swedish defenseman John Klingberg; The Leafs signed Klingberg last offseason but lost him after just 14 games due to hip issues that required season-ending surgery.
Nick Alberga of Leafs Nation believes the time is right for the Leafs to cut their losses before his contract is able to officially go on the books:
“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.
Recommended articles:
- Chris Gosselin
New details confirm how Gaudreau brothers found themselves at the collision site
- NHL News
- 3 minutes read
- Jonathan Larivee
Katie Gaudreau breaks silence on the passing of her brothers.
- NHL News
- 2 minutes read
- Jonathan Larivee
Gaudreau widows publish message to their late husbands.
- NHL News
- 5 minutes read