Brad Treliving Confirms Jani Hakanpaa Move Has Officially Backfired on Leafs
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving relented that his decision to sign defenseman Jani Hakanpaa might not have been his savviest move in 2024-25.
After calling a (fairly) surprising press conference for the Maple Leafs media, GM Brad Treliving decided to lay everything in the open and explain what went wrong this season. how the team can improve and what's next for everyone going forward.
Among the topics were Mitch Marner's future, the failure of Games 5 & 7, and Auston Matthews' health, but there was one often forgotten player who had a miserable season.
Jani Hakanpaa Signing A Failure: Brad Treliving
Hakanpaa was signed to add some much needed size and shutdown defense for the team after revamping their roster in the summer, but things already took a turn when his original two-year deal became a one-year pact because of injury concerns.
Treliving admitted that even that signing wasn't a great bit of business:
There was always risk. We took a swing and it didn't work out.
It's pretty obvious that things didn't work out, but it's hardly Treliving or Hakanpaa's fault; such is the nature of the business.
Jani Hakapaa's Rough Season Could Spell The End
Only playing in two games this season, Hakanpaa was basically on the shelf for the entirety of the season, was only seen skating in practice with no chance of seeing a game, and already relented that he might need to reconsider things.
A huge shock this season was his selection to Team Finland for the 4 Nations, but the fact that he didn't suit up, even though it meant so much to him personally; it not only stung now, but put his career in doubt.
For someone as big as Hakanpaa, knee issues are make or break, and we've seen players like Carey Price essentially quietly retire because their knees get to the point where everyday life is a struggle.
The Finnish defender needs to think about day to day mobility and comfort, and the constant rigours of an NHL season will only make a terrible injury, worse.
It's a shame that Hakanpaa seemingly doesn't get to go out on his own terms, and for someone who was so effective, it's sad to see as a fan.
In 290 games he's added 45 points (15G, 30A), 457 blocks, 899 hits, and a plus-33; he spent time with Anaheim, Carolina, Dallas, and finally Toronto.
| POLL | ||
MAI 29 | 529 ANSWERS Brad Treliving Confirms Jani Hakanpaa Move Has Officially Backfired on Leafs Was Jani Hakanpaa the worst signing the Maple Leafs made in the Matthews era? | ||
| Yes | 360 | 68.1 % |
| No | 169 | 31.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
