Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube deems Jani Hakanpaa, Connor Dewar unready for NHL-level hockey

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Nov 08, 2024 05:00 GMT

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube discussed Jani Hakanpaa and Connor Dewar's readiness for NHL play. Both players, who have been practicing fully with the Leafs, also completed one game with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

However, Berube feels they still need more time to reach NHL-level speed. Currently on long-term injured reserve, Hakanpaa and Dewar will likely play two more games with the Marlies as part of an approved conditioning stint.

Hakanpaa has been recovering from knee issues since March. He signed a one-year, $1.47 million contract with the Leafs just before the season began. Dewar, who had shoulder surgery during the offseason, returned with a goal in the Marlies’ recent 4-2 loss to the Cleveland Monsters.

Although both players resumed Leafs practice on October 3, Berube believes more conditioning games will benefit their progress.

“Hopefully, (they'll) get a couple more games down there," Berube said (via thehockeynews.com). "I think it's important for both of them since they've been out a long time. So I think they need more games down there to get up to speed."

The conditioning stint helps the Leafs manage their 23-player roster limit. Although they have the salary cap space to activate Hakanpaa and Dewar, they would still need to free up roster spots.

For now, though, the Maple Leafs are juggling several roster considerations, and they appear to be maximizing conditioning time to ensure both players are fully prepared for the NHL. This approach allows Hakanpaa and Dewar to get up to speed without disrupting the Leafs' current lineup.

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Toronto Maple Leafs end eight-game losing streak with win over Boston Bruins

The Toronto Maple Leafs snapped an eight-game losing streak against the Boston Bruins with a 4-0 win on Wednesday.

Special teams made a big impact, as Toronto scored three power-play goals and successfully killed all six of Boston’s power plays. Morgan Rielly led the Leafs with a goal and two assists, while William Nylander and Matthew Knies each contributed a goal and an assist. Goalie Anthony Stolarz made 29 saves, earning his first shutout with Toronto.

Auston Matthews missed the game due to an upper body injury, but Nylander said the team stepped up in his absence.

“Maybe everybody just adds a little more compete to their game,” Nylander said (via NHL.com). “Guys are moved up in some spots. … It’s hard to cover up for him, but everybody did their job.”

The win improved Maple Leafs' record to 7-5-2 and ended Boston’s 156-minute shutout streak.