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Almost everything general manager Brad Treliving has touched has turned to gold in his second year with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Their moves, including the addition of a new coach, have the Leafs in first place in their division. They lead the defending champions and Treliving's work has played a big part in helping them get there.
Not everything has worked out, though. The $1.47 million signing of defenseman Jani Hakanpaa is a good example. One hockey analyst believes this is the one blemish on Treliving's resume this year.
In Jonas Siegel's latest column for The Athletic, the analyst finds Hakanpaa, who hasn't played since mid-November and has just two games under his belt all year, under “not working.”
“The 32-year-old has been on the ice recently for regular skating work with player development coach Denver Manderson, but hasn't participated in practice in a month,” the analyst said. “Hakanpaa was a flyer when the Leafs signed him in the fall to a one-year deal and not the two-year deal that was prematurely reported in July.”
According to Siegel, Hakanpaa's signing was initially controversial due to knee issues, and “the first half of the season has done nothing to alleviate those concerns.”
The NHL reported said the concerns have only been heightened by the lack of playing time and the apparent slowness with which he has played when the linebacker has been healthy. Siegel said it could be “huge” if Hakanpaa returns to form, but it doesn't seem likely.
NHL expert praises Chris Tanev's addition to Brad Treliving's Maple Leafs
Brad Treliving made the big move to sign defenseman Chris Tanev to a six-year deal. So far, the move has aged like fine wine for the Maple Leafs in many ways.
One crucial thing, especially when compared to Tanev's teammates, is how many games he has played. While Austin MatthewsAnthony Stolarz and others have suffered injuries, Tanev has not.
“Tanev has played in all but one game. It's only half a season into a six-year contract – a full decision on his contract, which expires in 2030, won't come for a while. But early on, he's been excellent slow,” said Jonas Siegel.
Tanev outperforms his teammates in shots, scoring chances, high-danger chances, high-danger goals and expected goals in five-on-five.
Edited by Krutik Jain
