Breaking Down the Jani Hakanpaa Deal: 3 Signs It Could Be Toronto’s Worst Move

Jani Hakanpaa’s injury history was already well-documented before his arrival in Toronto.¹

His knee injury last season with the Dallas Stars was not a minor setback; it was severe enough to put his career in jeopardy.

Given the physical demands of playing defense in the NHL, particularly for a towering player like Hakanpaa who relies on strength and physicality, this injury posed significant risks.

The Toronto Maple Leafs‘ decision to sign Hakanpaa to a one-year, $1.47 million deal raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.

While the contract itself might seem modest compared to other signings, it represents a substantial investment in a player whose durability is in question.

The knee injury wasn’t his only setback—Hakanpaa has faced other physical issues in the past, which have sidelined him for stretches of his career. Betting on such a player in a high-stakes environment like Toronto’s feels like a gamble that could easily backfire.

Giroud tänää kolme maalia enemmä ku Kane, Vardy, Aguero kolmikko yhteensä. Hyvä et tässä vaihees kautta alkaa niitä maaleja syntyy

— Jani Hakanpää (@JHakanpaa) May 15, 2016

Limited Offensive Upside

Hakanpaa’s style of play is heavily defense-oriented, and while this is not inherently a flaw, his lack of offensive contributions limits his overall value.

The NHL has increasingly shifted towards defensemen who can contribute in all three zones, and the Maple Leafs’ blue line already features players who struggle in this area.

Adding Hakanpaa to the mix compounds the issue, leaving Toronto with fewer options for generating offense from the back end.

During his time with the Dallas Stars, Hakanpaa posted minimal offensive numbers, recording just 16 points in 82 games during the 2022–23 season. While his defensive capabilities might help shore up Toronto’s zone, the team needs defensemen who can contribute to their high-powered offense, especially in transition plays and on the power play.

With Hakanpaa, the Maple Leafs have invested in a player whose skill set does not align with their broader team strategy.

Jani Hakanpaa: Salary Cap Constraints Make This a Costly Error

The Maple Leafs are notoriously tight against the salary cap, and every dollar counts when constructing a competitive roster.²

Allocating $1.47 million to a player with significant injury concerns and limited offensive potential restricts the team’s ability to address other pressing needs.

While this signing might seem minor in isolation, it becomes more problematic in the context of Toronto’s financial limitations.

For instance, the Maple Leafs could have used this cap space to pursue a depth forward or another defenseman with a more balanced skill set. The NHL’s flat cap era demands careful resource allocation, and Toronto’s decision to roll the dice on Hakanpaa could ultimately cost them in key moments during the season.

Toronto’s Blue Line Already Lacks Stability

One of the glaring weaknesses of the Maple Leafs in recent years has been their defensive core. While players like Morgan Rielly and TJ Brodie provide some stability, the unit as a whole has struggled with consistency and depth.

Adding Hakanpaa, a player with injury concerns and limited mobility, does little to address these underlying issues.

Hakanpaa’s style of play might have fit better on a team with a more balanced defensive lineup. In Toronto, however, his addition feels like a band-aid solution to a more systemic problem.

The Maple Leafs needed a defenseman who could play significant minutes without exposing the team to further risks. Unfortunately, Hakanpaa’s presence doesn’t inspire confidence in this regard.

Impact on Player Development

Hakanpaa’s signing could also have unintended consequences for Toronto’s younger defensive prospects. By allocating a roster spot to him, the team potentially blocks players in the system who might have been ready to step up.

For instance, promising young defensemen like Topi Niemelä or Rasmus Sandin could benefit from additional NHL ice time, but Hakanpaa’s presence limits these opportunities.

Development is critical for a team like Toronto that must rely on inexpensive, homegrown talent to complement its expensive core. Every game that Hakanpaa plays is a game that a prospect could use to gain valuable experience.

If Hakanpaa struggles or is sidelined due to injury, the Maple Leafs may find themselves scrambling to integrate younger players under less-than-ideal circumstances.

Uncertainty in the Depth Chart

Hakanpaa’s recent placement on injured reserve has created more uncertainty for the Maple Leafs’ defensive depth chart. This move not only limits the team’s options but also forces them to lean heavily on other players, increasing the likelihood of fatigue or overuse injuries elsewhere on the roster.

Toronto’s depth on defense has been a point of concern for several seasons, and adding a player with durability issues only exacerbates the problem.

While the team may have hoped for Hakanpaa to bring a physical presence and stability to the blue line, his absence disrupts any potential chemistry among defensive pairings.

This lack of continuity could lead to further defensive breakdowns, putting more pressure on Toronto’s goaltending—a position that has already faced significant scrutiny.

Jani Hakanpaa: Physical Style

A Double-Edged Sword

At his best, Hakanpaa is known for his physical, hard-nosed style of play. However, this approach comes with its own set of risks, particularly for a player recovering from a major knee injury.³

Hakanpaa’s reliance on physicality makes him more susceptible to further injuries, especially in a league that prioritizes speed and agility.

Toronto’s high-octane system requires defensemen who can keep up with fast-paced play, and Hakanpaa’s lack of mobility could be a liability.

While his physical presence might be an asset in certain matchups, it doesn’t align with the overall direction of the team. This mismatch raises questions about the thought process behind his signing.

Fan and Media Backlash

• The Maple Leafs operate in one of the most intense hockey markets in the world, and every move made by the front office is scrutinized. Hakanpaa’s struggles, both on and off the ice, have already drawn criticism from fans and media alike.
• If his performance doesn’t improve or his injuries persist, this signing could become a focal point for dissatisfaction among the fan base.
• Toronto’s passionate supporters expect the team to contend for a Stanley Cup, and questionable moves like this one erode confidence in management.
• For GM Brad Treliving, Hakanpaa’s struggles represent a misstep that could overshadow other positive moves made during the offseason.
• Beyond his on-ice contributions, Hakanpaa was likely expected to bring a veteran presence to the locker room.
• However, his limited playing time and ongoing injury concerns make it difficult for him to fulfill this role.
• Leadership is crucial for a team with championship aspirations, and Hakanpaa’s inability to consistently stay in the lineup undermines his ability to provide guidance to younger players.
• The Maple Leafs have no shortage of experienced players, but adding another steady voice to the locker room could have been beneficial. Unfortunately, Hakanpaa’s health issues prevent him from fully embracing this responsibility.