A potential solution to the Maple Leafs' Jani Hakanpaa problem that could appease both sides
The Maple Leafs haven't registered Jani Hakanpaa's reported contract yet, but there is still a potentially viable solution for both team and player.
When free agency opened, it was reported that the Leafs had signed bruising defenseman Jani Hakanpaa to a 2-year deal worth $1.5M annually. Almost immediately, concerns were raised about his health, specifically a knee injury that made the Dallas Stars uncomfortable enough that they let him walk as a free agent, even though they liked the player.
After introducing Auston Matthews as the new captain in Toronto, GM Brad Treliving answered questions about his roster, one of which was about the status of Hakanpaa. The update Treliving provided was that the Leafs and Hakanpaa were 'working through' the situation, but did not go into any further detail.
With the contract still not officially registered with the league, Hakanpaa technically remains a free agent, which means the Leafs could technically still offer to bring Hakanpaa to training camp on a PTO.
This seems like the best course of action for both parties. It allows the Leafs to see if Hakanpaa can indeed play on his surgically repaired knee without tying up a roster spot and it allows Hakanpaa to show that he can still play and that he deserves the contract that the two sides were reportedly discussing.
With how drawn out the situation has gotten, this seems like the most reasonable resolution for both parties. The question is, is it a reasonable solution that both sides will agree to? Time will tell.
Source: Hockey DB
Jani Hakanpaa Player Profile
| POLL | ||
AOUT 21 | 1602 ANSWERS A potential solution to the Maple Leafs' Jani Hakanpaa problem that could appease both sides Will Jani Hakanpaa play for the Maple Leafs this season? | ||
| Yes | 487 | 30.4 % |
| No | 1115 | 69.6 % |
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