Hakanpaa signed a one-year deal worth $1.47 million following a summer of speculation about the defenseman's health.
Jani Hakanpaa is joining the Toronto Maple Leafs... For real this time.
The Finnish defenseman put pen to paper on a one-year deal worth $1.47 million on Wednesday, ending a summer of speculation about his status. with the club.
The 6-foot-7 defenseman was first linked to the Maple Leafs in July during free agency and was believed to have agreed to a two-year deal. Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving also spoke about the addition of the former Dallas Stars defender during his media availability following free agency.
But as the days went by, the Leafs never officially announced the addition. The Toronto Sun's Steve Simmons reported that he heard about concerns regarding the player's knee injury that forced him to miss the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. Specially hearing that the player's knee was effectively "bone-on-bone".
Later in the summer, Hakanpaa appeared at a charity golf tournament in Finland while wearing a Stars jersey, casting more doubt about the player's future.
In August, Treliving said the club was "working through" the Hakanpaa situation without diving into too many specifics. But whatever the case is, the Leafs finally have it done and have enough confidence that the knee injury isn't too much of a concern not to give the player some guaranteed money.
Hakanpaa had two goals and 10 assists in 64 games with the Stars last season. His knee injury forced him out of the lineup in March. He did return to skating during Dallas' run to the Western Conference Final but was not selected to dress.
Maple Leafs Salary Cap Situation Following Hakanpaa Signing
With Hakanpaa signing at $1.47 million AAV, the Leafs would be roughly $1,07 million over the salary cap if they attempted to put out a lineup of 13 forwards, eight defensemen and two goalies. That also doesn't take into account Max Pacioretty's PTO and what I may ultimately sign for if he makes the team.
Injuries and or a trade could help the Leafs get cap-compliant with a max roster. Waivers is another way for the Leafs to get under while carrying less than 23 players.
The Leafs don't have to be compliant with the salary cap until the day before the regular season starts on Oct. 8
