NHL: New Jersey Devils at Dallas Stars - Source: Imagn — Chris Johnston addresses the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Jani Hakanpää

"The risk is too great": Chris Johnston addresses the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Jani Hakanpää

Modified Aug 27, 2024 19:01 GMT

The Toronto Maple Leafs have ongoing contract discussions with quite a few players, one of whom is Jani Hakanpää. The star defenseman has not yet signed a contract with Toronto, and NHL insider Chris Johnston believes the longer this negotiation lasts, the less likely he is to sign.

Hakanpää hasn't played since March 16 due to a knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery. He was with the Dallas Stars at the time of the injury. He did not return to play for the 23-24 season, and the injury risk is very much a factor in signing a deal with a new team.

Johnston said:

“The fact that it’s gone on this long probably isn’t a good sign. The longer it goes without a contract, the less likely it seems that he’s going to get one. However, I can’t say with 100% certainty that it won’t happen, but the signs aren’t very encouraging. This situation appears to be one where the Leafs, or their doctors, are concerned that the risk is too great, given the condition of his knee.”

The Maple Leafs' team doctors have evaluated Hakanpää, and there's real concern over the injury. His talent is undeniable, but so is the risk in signing him to any sort of contract.

He did agree to a contract, but has not officially signed. There's a good chance the Leafs end up backing out of the deal as a result, leaving him in a precarious situation with regard to his 2024 season.

GM Brad Treliving discusses concerning Jani Hakanpää situation

It was assumed that Jani Hakanpää was going to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2024. It will be his first action in a long time due to a knee injury. His ailment has been described as degenerative, which gives the team pause.

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GM Brad Treliving, who initiated talks with Hakanpää said:

"Working through that. Today we're dealing with this, but we'll get to that hopefully sooner rather than later."

The injury was severe enough to cast doubt on whether or not he'd ever play again. He entered negotiations with the Leafs, but the saga seems to have twisted and turned even since then. There is no clear resolution in sight.