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Jani Hakanpaa "Didn't Actually Sign" according to respected NHL Insider


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Chris Gerics
August 27, 2024  (3:19 PM)
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Jani Hakanpaa
Photo credit: USA TODAY Sports

When Toronto presented Jani Hakanpaa a contract this summer, they thought they were getting a shutdown, towering defenseman. But according to one Insider, he never put pen to paper.

Simmons, amongst other NHL Insiders and pundits believed this contract was a puzzling one, as the concerns about Hakanpaa's health are really no secret. But another NHL Insider has a big scoop regarding the Finnish defenseman.
«He didn't actually sign. Where the confusion comes in is that the Leafs obviously had an intent to sign him on July 1st, when (Maple Leafs GM) Brad Treliving was speaking to reporters, he talked about his excitement to add Jani Hakanpaa, and to the best of my knowledge, the reason it hasn't happened is the concern about an injury he had to end last season.

I think his knee is basically bone on bone at this point, and you've got a player who thinks he can play, but maybe some medical opinions that are casting doubt on that, and we'll just have to see if they ultimately do sign him."
So that's a big development. Toronto wanted to present him a contract with the intent to sign him although the concerns about his health clearly trumped a straight-out signing. It seems like the Maple Leafs are waiting for a second, possibly third opinion on Hakanpaa.
If Toronto does have concerns about Hakanpaa's health, they could easily sign him later to a PTO and see if he's healthy enough to earn a contract, albeit for probably lower value than before.
It's finally some news regarding Hakanpaa although for Maple Leafs fans, it's not the news they wanted to hear.
Source: TSN 1050 First Up Full Episode
First Up: Chris Johnston speaks on Leafs looking for winger; Nick Robertson's future & if Swayman is looking for $10M AAV
The Hockey News (for quotes)
'He Didn't Actually Sign': Maple Leafs and Jani Hakanpaa Reportedly at Odds Over Opinion of Knee Injury Sustained With Stars Last Season
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Jani Hakanpaa "Didn't Actually Sign" according to respected NHL Insider

Should Toronto still try and sign Jani Hakanpaa?

Yes1120.4 %
No2444.4 %
PTO1222.2 %
He should retire713 %
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