Top NHL insider Chris Johnston sheds light on Jani Hakanpaa's situation with the Toronto Maple Leafs
Now that weeks have passed since the Leafs supposedly signed Jani Hakanpaa to a contract, new reports emerged saying his health hasn't improved.
Things are looking shaky for Jani Hakanpaa's potential deal with the Leafs. On Tuesday morning, insider Chris Johnston talked about it on TSN 1050's "First Up", explaining that Hakanpaa hasn't signed yet because of concerns about his knee. While Hakanpaa believes he's good to go, the doctors aren't so sure.
«The fact that's gone on this long probably doesn't suggest good things, encouraging things,» Johnston said. «The longer it goes and he doesn't have a contract, it doesn't look like he's gonna end up with one. But the best I can say right now is I don't know 100% it's not going to go that way, just the writing doesn't appear to be too encouraging. This would be just a case where the Leafs would have concern or their doctors or whoever they're relying on for advice that it's too big of a risk that he won't be able to play because of the condition of his knee.»
There's still a slim chance things could turn around before training camp, and he might get the green light to play in the NHL with the Leafs. However, since so much time has passed since the initial injury report on July 1st, it's starting to seem unlikely that Jani Hakanpaa will join the Leafs. The fact that he never actually signed the contract suggests that his health is a big concern, and the deal depends on him passing medical tests.
When we first heard that Jani Hakanpaa might be joining the Leafs, there were already reports about his knee problems, particularly a «degenerative knee» issue that led the Dallas Stars to let him go. Toronto's medical team initially cleared him to play, but it looks like they later found the same knee problem, which has caused the delay in getting his contract finalized.
GM of the Leafs Brad Treliving hasn't said much about the situation, but he did recently mention that they're «working through it» and hope to have an answer soon.
With training camp and the preseason just around the corner, the Leafs need to make a decision about Jani Hakanpaa quickly. There's still a chance the deal could happen, but it seems less likely as time goes on. If it doesn't work out, the Leafs will have to look for another right-handed defenseman fast since there aren't many left in free agency. The decision they ultimately make will also help them figure out their remaining cap space and how to handle other roster moves, like what to do with disgruntled forward Nick Robertson who demanded a trade.
Source:
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| POLL | ||
AOÛT 27 | 53 ANSWERS Top NHL insider Chris Johnston sheds light on Jani Hakanpaa's situation with the Toronto Maple Leafs Will the Maple Leafs ultimately give up on Jani Hakanpaa? | ||
| Yes | 44 | 83 % |
| No | 9 | 17 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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