A little known connection revealed between the Maple Leafs and Jani Hakanpaa

Reports emerging on July 1st of this year suggested that the Maple Leafs had signed Hakanpaa to a 2-year deal worth $1.5M per season, but the official announcement has not yet occurred. Some find this concerning and doubts are beginning to creep in with training camp now just 5 weeks away.

Due to Hakanpaa's ongoing health issues, the team is believed to be conducting a thorough evaluation of his condition and has yet to finalize the signing of the towering Finnish defender.

In a surprising twist, this isn't the first time the Maple Leafs have aggressively pursued Hakanpaa. Back in 2021, TLN's Joseph Vita reported, via Eric Engels, that the Leafs were involved in a bidding war for Hakanpaa at the time.

Naturally, Hakanpaa opted to sign in Dallas due to the particularly strong Finnish presence in the organization at the time.

Hakanpaa had a solid 2023-24 season with the Dallas Stars, recording 12 points and a +10 rating in 64 games. Known for his strong defensive play, impactful hits, and proficiency on the penalty kill, he could significantly benefit the Maple Leafs, who are in need of that exact type of player.

Here's hoping this saga ends with Hakanpaa in a Leafs jersey.

Source: HockeyDB
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