Following a summer of uncertainty regarding the condition of his right knee, the Maple Leafs have finally signed off on a new contract for defenceman Jani Hakanpaa.
After missing the end of the 2023-24 season with the Dallas Stars, Hakanpaa reportedly washeaded to Toronto on the first day of July free-agent shopping. But the contract never was formally announced, nor went on the salary cap books.
There was speculation Hakanpaa’s lingering knee condition could be career ending, but a few weeks ago Toronto general manager Brad Treliving said the team was working through the issue.
On Wednesday at Maple Leafs rookie camp, the club announced Hakanpää had signed a one-year contract worth $1.47 million US, around the reported July 1 figure.
That was the day Treliving said the 32-year-old Finn was going to be a helpful addition, with his near-300 games of NHL experience and particularly his 6-foot-7 wingspan to kill penalties.
Hakanpaa originally was a St. Louis Blues draft pick in the fourth round in 2010 and played with the Anaheim Ducks and Carolina Hurricanes before spending the past three years with the Stars.
Hakanpa recorded 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) in 64 games with the Dallas Stars during the 2023-24 season. In 288 career NHL regular-season games, the native of Kirkkonummi, Finland, has registered 45 points (15 goals, 30 assists) and 173 penalty minutes.
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