NHL insider reveals worrying news for Toronto Maple Leafs fans

The team reportedly signed defenseman Jani Hakanpaa to a two-year contract less than an hour after free agency kicked off on July 1st. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the deal came with a 1.5 million dollar cap hit.

At the time, there was some buzz about Hakanpaa's health, as he did not suit up for a single playoff game for the Stars this season. Furthermore, Stars head coach Pete DeBoer hinted that Hakanpaa was not particularly close to returning after the Stars were eliminated. Now that speculation has only grown as the team still has not officially announced the deal.

NHL insider Chris Johnston revealed on the SDPN podcast that Hakanpaa may very well not sign with the Leafs after all. The team doctors are reportedly looking into his knee after something came up in his physical. Notably, it was a knee injury that kept him out of the playoffs this season.

This could spell bad news for the Leafs. Luckily, it seems as though they have not officially signed him yet. As such, they may avoid another injury stricken player. That being said though, they will then have a roster spot to fill. Surely though, Brad Treliving can find another bottom pair defenseman in free agency for a reasonable price.

Source: MapleLeafsDaily
Insider reveals why Jani Hakanpaa's contract hasn't officially be announced