The Toronto Maple Leafs have added yet another blueliner to their roster on the first day of free agency. After inking Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson earlier in the day, they added another hulking defender in Jani Hakanpaa. The contract is two years in duration and carries a $1.5M AAV.
Blueline depth
The Maple Leafs add yet another quality right-shot NHLer to their blueline. This fits Brad Treliving’s M.O. as well as the 32-year-old Hakanpaa is a massive 6’7″ and 222 lbs.
Over the last three seasons as a member of the Dallas Stars, Hakanpaa put up 15 goals, 45 points, and 210 shots in 226 games. However, his real value comes off the puck with his 668 hits and 363 blocks over that three year period.
Hakanpaa is an absolute pain to play against, and the Leafs just became a whole lot meaner and tougher. This is a fantastic add by Treliving, adding size and tenacity to the Leafs’ previously squishy defense corps.
