Jani Hakanpaa has agreed to a two-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. This cap hit will be an average of $1.5 million against the salary cap. The Finnish defenceman will be playing for his fourth NHL team since his 2020 debut.
Draft And Return To Finland
The St. Louis Blues drafted Hankanpaa in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Hankanpaa spent his entry-level contract years playing the Blues minor league system before choosing to return to Finland.
Hankanpaa improved his play by playing in Finland. Some of his accomplishments were leading the league in plus/minus in back-to-back seasons and scoring a career high in goals in the 2018-19 season.
Return To The NHL
Hakanpaa signed a one-year contract in July 2019 with the Anaheim Ducks and returned to the NHL. Hakanpaa’s NHL debut in 2020 was a highly-anticipated game in Finland.
Hakanpaa scored his first NHL goal on March 11, 2020 against the Blues. The Ducks fell 4-2 in what ended up being their last game of the 2019-20 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ducks signed Hakanpaa to a new contract for the 2020-21 season. In his first full season, Hakanpaa ranked third in the league in hits.
Trade To Carolina and Stint In Dallas
The Ducks traded Hakanpaa to the Carolina Hurricanes late in the 2021 season. The defencemen played in just 15 games for the Hurricanes before becoming a free agent.
Hakanpaa signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Stars in July of 2021. Hakanpaa played in 80 and 82 games his first two seasons in Dallas. In his final season, he played in 64 games as his role with the team decreased.
The Future For The Finn Is Unknown
Hakanpaa has only played in three full NHL seasons. At 32 years old, it is possible Hakanpaa is the player he has been in his career. Someone who is not afraid to use his body to make plays and will occasionally find the back of the net. The Maple Leafs should be aware of this. There should be no unpleasant surprises.
If Hankanpaa can find another level to his game, he will certainly make his Finland home proud.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
