Jani Hakanpää Is A Leaf! - D Signs 2-Year/$1.5M Deal With Maple Leafs

Steve Dangle, Jesse Blake and Adam Wylde recap and analyze the Toronto Maple Leafs decision to sign Jani Hakanpää to a 2-Year/$1.5M Deal
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[@4.0.7.7]

I’d rather Hakanpaa at 1.5 than Zadorov at 5

[@jadon3776]

This feels like 2/3rds the player for 1/3rd the price. Love it

[@johanjotun1647]

who dosn't

[@SirDeerock]

I'd rather have neither and just get good defensemen

[@steph1433]

BOSTON HAS A GIANT Leafs need a A GIANT

[@jimdraven2432]

Agreed. Plus at $1.5 million per, he's easily tradeable if he doesn't work out.

[@craigharrison5406]

6'7" D man who averages over 280 hits per 82 games played. How can any real leaf fan not like a player like that?

[@CaptainSnipegoon]

As a Stars fan, I thought the same thing. Then I watched him play.

[@richt4297]

@@CaptainSnipegoon You think he can play on 1 leg good luck, this guy will not even pass his physical.

[@FalconFlyer75]

For scoring just make sure Nylander, Matthews, McMann and Marner aren’t injured at the same time

[@Max_Coolman]

I’ve watched Hakanpää play since his early and later days in Kärpät, and since he made it to the NHL. Good defensive guy with reach, can be physical, doesn’t back down from anyone. Great signing from the Leafs!

[@navshergill2310]

Isn't every signing a good signing until they don't do anything?

[@filipohman7277]

Awesome

[@anthonyfaccaro7118]

​@@navshergill2310My blues havent done anything yet, and im fine with that....some of these deals all over the league are bonkers

[@mikeormsby6385]

From Steve Simmons of Toronto Sun: "A year ago, maybe two years ago, Hakanpaa would have factored rather nicely on the Leafs defence. He’s a giant of a man at 6-foot-7, popular in the room, that great hockey vernacular, and a penalty-killer beyond compare. But one with a knee so bad that some think - although the Leafs disagree - that he may never play again. The Leafs signed him to play but many doubt he will. It’s said to be bone-on-bone with not much knee left. It’s said to be trouble. Two years ago, Hakanpaa was playing 18 minutes for the Stars. He might have played his last NHL game in March. If he plays again, plays at all for the Leafs, it will shock those who were around in recent seasons."

[@petrisyrja-kokkila7103]

Im a Finn and Hakanpää is one of my favourite players. This is the first time iv heard that his knee is that bad. What a bummer for him. Thanks for sharing.

[@alexrowdyrodrigues9716]

I LOVE THIS SIGNING ALOT!!!

[@sinnaever]

Leafs back end actually gives me a false sense of security. Defense and Goaltending.

[@ariccua6101]

"Finland's number one export is BEEF!"

[@quercusquercus532]

I was curious. Electronics, apparently. Forestry products are also a large export. In 2022, Finland were the 60th largest exporter of Maple sugar/syrup!

[@adavis688]

"I don't know this player so he's bad" is such a great analysis of how insane some of the takes are from Leafs fans today. Totally nailed it. I admit I don't know who Hakanpaa is, but that's why i came to this video, obviously

[@Nathanielhiggerson66]

He’s been solid but might not be able to play it all depends on his knee

[@user-yt9gy4wp7b]

They interviewed him on TV and he says he's healthy lol

[@84coleR]

Defense is looking a lot different today that's for sure

[@wizzerwiser2056]

Different look but same results in the end.

[@Nathanielhiggerson66]

He might not be able to play a game. his knee might be fukkd for good

[@feedthechunk9836]

Jani Hakanpää Is A Leaf! LETS GO!

[@blairbailey6199]

Is he playable or injured prone?

[@LucasHoltvluwer]

Now this is a signing!!

[@ddawson3848]

I've wanted this guy for years now

[@JamesWFisher22]

Jesse man offence starts with defence getting puck back and breakouts

[@jeffsmith441]

I agree a lot dude. Defenseman also help the offense get the breakouts started. Leafs had no one that could do this well. Rielly was the only one but can be too predictable at times. McCabe tried, but that's not the best part of his game.

[@Joe_Ma99]

Then hankapaa will disappoint you. He can’t exit the Dzone for shit.

[@princeborutski921]

What a seismic free agency for the whole league!

[@ILoveMisty1985]

Stars turned Tanev + Hakanpaa into Dumba + Lyubushkin. Thanks, I hate it.

[@Joe_Ma99]

I’d take either dumba or lyubushkin over hakanpaa any day but losing Tanev hurts

[@LegoGBlok]

@@Joe_Ma99 Then you are a fool, because neither of those players are as good as Hakanpää. Dumba in 2024 is trash, been bad for many years, these days he is a #7 guy, also, overrated at his prime. Lyubushkin?, seriously? barely NHL level player. bizarre moves from Dallas

[@J_Dawg90]

@@LegoGBlok and you think hakanpaa is that great?? I loved him in dallas because he was fun to watch but bro is not a good defenseman

[@Joe_Ma99]

@@LegoGBlok lol how good do you think hakanpaa is? For a defensive defenseman the dude gets dog walked regularly. He doesn’t have the speed or IQ to play in the modern NHL.

[@deweyw3737]

ALEX NYLANDER!!! Tree needs to get that done especially if they move Robertson could see him being a great replacement

[@cjmllvv]

How real is that

[@ScottStenlund-x9m]

L o l. Robertson his high potential. Alex Nylander is a bottom 6 guy.

[@deweyw3737]

@@ScottStenlund-x9m i don’t disagree he has higher potential or at least that’s how it’s shown so far. But Alex was a high draft pick he actually was considered to have had higher potential then Robertson who was a second rounder. I think both players could use a change of scenery/role. Even if they keep Robertson in the end I think picking up Nylander jr would be a really really good call. He was originally thought to be better then Willy

[@ScottStenlund-x9m]

@@deweyw3737 he's played with talent and he still hasn't racked up a phenomenal amount of points. He's 26 which means he's already in his prime ....I think it's safe to say he's not better than Willy. He's half as good as Willy.

[@late3619]

@@ScottStenlund-x9m He isn't even half as good as Willie. That would mean he is a mid to high teen's in goals each season. How many teams has he already played for?

[@filipohman7277]

Awesome Work Guys😎👍👍👍 Greetings from Helsinki, Finland🇫🇮

[@TheEthanification]

To expect any "Big changes" to the forward group this year is just blatant disregard for the Leafs situation. They NEEDED to invest in better Right Defencemen. They NEEDED to add to their goaltending situation. The Core 4 forwards hold too much % of the cap to do anything BIG this year, unless somehow we move Marner. I'm all in on these changes and I look forward to seeing who they do end up signing on the LW for near league minimum.

[@mikecrawshaw9973]

They already have him, he's called Easton Cowan!

[@bounce12]

@@mikecrawshaw9973bingo!!!!

[@RichardArchibald-jk7ms]

Having 3 right shot defenceman Will translate into more puck possession and goals.

[@MarkSmith-ho5yc]

Hakanpaa was in the top 4 for Dallas for most of the regular season before he got injured.

[@souless08]

So we signed a dude with a knee injury supposedly so bad that many think he is never even going to play again, big thumbs up to that move.. Even if he does come back, it's just a flip of the coin when that knee is done for good. As it stands It was a stupid, wishful thinking signing IMO and a risk we had no reason at all to take. Someones knee who is so blown out its bone on bone is hardly someone you get in line to sign up.. I woulda spent the few extra bucks if they were to be had and went with Shayne Gostisbehere..

[@leebird76]

Someone called Hakanpaa ... HakanTuah and now I can't get it outta my head lol

[@user-dj9og9uc4m]

Thank you Gentlemen love your three talk and show love and love...i just couldn't hold myself seeing the BEEFING up roster for our Leafs..These gents are big and mobile...need us remembered way back we got veterans Leetch and Murphy oh boy they ended retired love your shows keep coming brothers all three of you are superb

[@vipeholmskolan6052]

At that cap hit, Hakanpää is a steal.

[@dbassman27]

Jesse, happy Canada Day! I'm glad at least one of you is wearing something related to Canada Day.

[@LocalCretin]

My buddy was pissed when we took Tanev from Dallas. I don't want to know how mad he is after Hakanpaa

[@carterwatkins9957]

I think what you guys forget is that good defense creates turnover and can move the puck better then these past D which allows the forwards more puck possession to try and create more goals. Yes still need more offensive help but these d provide offense as well

[@KP-05]

I gotta say I’m impressed this off season

[@onlygknows7793]

No cup with Tavares, Reilly, Brodie, Gio, Kampf, Jarnkrok, Gregor and Liljgren, save $ 34 mil for another punishing puck moving D man and a G.

[@andyvulhop]

The naive view is blueliners defend, forwards score. They already made it clear they understand team-defense means defensively responsible forwards. Team-offense means the defense contributes. That concept seems to slip notice more often. And that doesn't mean a rover who pinches up all the time and leaves his d partner cooked on odd man break-aways. Defensively stout blueliners create takeaways and pass the puck up to forwards. You can't have offense if you're getting caved in!

[@michaelgates4917]

Finally the D is looking tougher to play against. They are gearing up for a much bigger move by stacking up

[@kimmotoivari]

I might be a bit biased for Hakanpää, because we're both Finns, but this is a great deal. Hakanpää is a relentless force of nature.

[@Nathanielhiggerson66]

knee might be an issue, but if not the 1.5M$ is a steal

[@late3619]

No to Skinner, leafs don't need another small forward.

[@qlyde]

Some rumours say he *may* never play again with his knee being so bad.. we love spending money

[@leebarnett2610]

Just a little advertising hint. It's a lot easier for folks to tune into your Live Stream if you tell them what time it's on.

[@CoEmpathy]

As a Stars/Leafs fan this free agency has been really funny for defensemen, Lyubushkin to Dallas and Hakanpää and Tanev to Toronto. I like Hakanpää as a player, and I love that I'll get to keep cheering for him and saying his name bc I love saying his name.

[@people3865]

This is a really good signing. Best of the day for Tre

[@lauig]

There's reports coming up his knee might be beyond repair, that he could be in a similar situation to what happened to Carey Price. Would be a shame really, even not counting the hits he's a truly good defenseman.

[@rickyma3189]

An SDPN segment on Steve Dangle's channel....

[@Tiax776]

Oh man, one of my favourite players is now a Leaf. Don't make me cheer for the Leafs :/

[@keerthan99]

Can't wait for the LFR snippet recapping a Domi goal, assisted by Hakanpää 😄

[@Spincat08]

Jesse is a stats guy and forgets that the leafs are the LEAST SHUTOUT TEAM IN THE LEAGUE

[@Rawbirt]

I am confused. Jesse keeps saying, "they didn't address offense, they didn't address scoring, you can't win games zero-zero". Leafs have been top 3 each of the last 5 years in goals scored. I get you are addressing secondary scoring and playoff scoring, but guess what makes that easier for your forwards in the playoffs...being big and tough and strong and having a D-corps that will beat you to a pulp. What is the issue here?

[@starpetalarts6668]

The issue is that they're not resigning or signing LW... so they're either expecting players to play LW even though they prefer RW or they're going to give cheap contracts to Marlies that aren't ready for the level of play expected in the NHL. ... or maybe just maybe someone decided that Reilly plays so deep that he should be a winger?

[@bounce12]

Amen 🙏 brother. Hopefully health don’t come and kick us all in the grapes as Usual in leafs nation!! Also woll needs to be a real number 1 that’s also needs to stay healthy along with their aging supreme shot blocking d-man that wants term🤦‍♂️ and a 6ft 7 freight train that has a blown out knee!!! Oh and OEL is another gamble but at the end of the day at least 2 are worth trying for!! Tanav for 7 years is not one of them in my option.. I put money on out of 574 regular season only games he will be at his best and healthy for 275 tops!! Not good odds on a not young shot blocking d-man that plays hard honest old style hockey. My opinion of course ..I love the moves towards a bigger/more defensive minded team especially after the best season ever by a leaf in the terms off playing at the very top scoring goals and almost the top defensively. If Matthew’s keeps playing the total package type game he is, he will be as valuable as mcdavid is, all Matthew’s needs to do is score at the same pace/rocket Richard trophy win the Selke award and the art Ross that there is the perfect player and the best on the ice period don’t matter about flash and assists it’s playing both ends the best Simultaneous. Very elite player indeed there!!!

[@Nathanielhiggerson66]

@@bounce12rocket maybe, selke I really doubt

[@billk516]

The issue is you still have the same core 😂

[@Rawbirt]

@billk516 let me guess...a fan of another team that comes here to chuck shit. Guess what, the core is staying so we are talking about over and above the core. If they do move any of the core, scoring drops, unless its a blockbuster trade, in which case that will not help cap space. Fact remains that a tougher, bigger D-corps will help on D, and buy some space for the scorers.

[@rodchallis8031]

The cap hit is actually 3.0 due to the umlaut overage.

[@quercusquercus532]

3.Ö

[@rodchallis8031]

@@quercusquercus532 lol!

[@cassiel2390]

soooo gutted, I was hoping he'd be back in Dallas!

[@Plutoboy85]

The lack of offense from the defense also hurts the forwards offensive production. Teams know they don't have to worry about covering the points as much.

[@zcohen17]

In a year I’m calling it now, Leaf fans will want him gone

[@ST-TV]

They can just send him down and only take around 300k cap penalty.

[@zcohen17]

@@ST-TV may be before that, reports now coming out his career is in question, much less how effective he will be able to be after surgery

[@ST-TV]

@@zcohen17 If it was THAT much in question they would not have signed him.

[@zcohen17]

@@ST-TV oh I think he will play, but how effective is the question. Watching last year, his biggest weakness was agility and acceleration, something a knee injury won’t exactly help. As long as he is a 7th (which as you said, he is paid fair price for) he’ll be fine. He is just the type of player fans tend to scapegoat easily with the type of errors he makes

[@ST-TV]

@@zcohen17 That sounds like a fan problem, not actually a team problem.

[@mikaelengstrom6639]

Toronto will have to wait until next year, when the Marner and Tavares contracts run out, for the management to have the chance to make major moves.

[@cahg3871]

You build your team from the goaltender out.Getting a competent back up goalie(wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up the full time tender)and three bigger D men is a good start.I’m cautiously optimistic that the Buds will be more competitive next season.

[@Mtron923]

Great Name 🤠

[@66balsam]

The coach change could/should be the difference between last years lack of ‘team’ and this coming seasons improved ‘team’ it’s not about the pieces, it’s about the whole….

[@FootballMania3000]

Wow our defence will be scary to play against next year, I’m very excited about all the D signings Wow 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@albanobiancini9395]

Your so wrong. The defense was not the issue in terms of goals against. They could not make a good pass to set up the foreards. However. If the puck is moved out of the defensive zone with good passes we will score more goals

[@mitchelldalton7405]

Need puck separators with a puck mover.

[@ratedRblazin420]

You're*

[@rodneytaylor8950]

Too funny Steve 😂😂😂😂😂 You gotta do a hockey stand up lol Laughing my ass off 😊

[@skins0769]

You seem to forget good D play turns into offense as well. Also will help wear down the other teams forwards so they are beat up, tired, sore etc

[@michaelgates4917]

Watch his highlights! If he continues to hit everything on the ice, he’ll be a fan favourite very quickly in this town

[@bmoney544]

Does Jarnkrot, Kampf, Robertson, Liljgren and a 1st sound enticing enough for Theodore and Roy

[@ohnojoe1076]

Skinner just signed a one year deal with the Oilers.

[@davidwarrenboucher9011]

Leafs Defence just got Allstarred❤ love this I can see Lilly G could learn how to play more defencesive playing with Tanev but that not gonna happen with another Dallas top Dman now a Leaf.

[@paulrafiq2525]

Theme of the day washed up or often injured.

[@Eladore]

Lack of scoring? Matthews,Nylander,Marner & Tavares? 30-40+ scorers!

[@Hilmajs]

It's difficult to score when you are spending so much time caved in inside your own blueline. Add to that soft and deflating goaltending. I believe these moves in goal and on D has improved their ability to score in the playoffs

[@jlove8445]

If it came down to strictly improving the team defence it’s a lot better have Hakanpaa than to end up with Stritzl, that’s for sure.., or Strudl for that matter

[@ddawson3848]

I really like the new Defence. It Doesn't mean Marner will go anywhere near the slot in the playoffs. But we will beat the crap out of a team while not scoring.

[@MrSportsGuy16]

From now on, if there is no barking before Hakanpaa.... I don't want to hear it.

[@user-zi6is2nt3b]

Brad & Brendan Shanahan management team. Did a awesome job. By the way they are under the cap by 413,000

[@michaelaprile7861]

-Finally … a potentially nasty defensive group in one offseason. -Dubass barely adjusted over 8 years…..

[@smokeyt335]

Love the pick up, but we need a good 3rd line center, who gets 20-30 goals per game, not david kampf he's fine as a 4th line center

[@vaskoobscura_]

Nice pickup

[@Deadpool19917]

Playoff shutdown line of Kampf Jarnkrok Reaves Hakanpa Benoit. Go ahead and try to hold onto the puck..... it's gonna hurt. Kampf and Jarnkrok chase you into the hit from the other 3

[@adamCarter20]

LOL that is not gonna scare anybody, 2 out of those 4 players, are soft, and one is reaching retirement 🤣 😂

[@GG-ng6zm]

@@adamCarter20 he named 5 players not 4 ya goofball

[@adamCarter20]

@GG-ng6zm 😱😱 oh no I didn't count them properly, thanks for pointing that out..I really don't give a crap 🤣

[@GG-ng6zm]

@@adamCarter20 u gave enough craps to add 3 emojis and a small paragraph😂

[@adamCarter20]

@GG-ng6zm Ya, I gave a crap about that, try and keep up junior.

[@Scaffolder1978]

How about a deal that involves Liljgren + Robertson For Morgan Frost and Pick

[@1967wazzy]

Next yr they will be able to get some snot tavares money will be available not expecting much this yr

[@FearFables0007]

The Leafs just need to play playoff type hockey from the get go and get used to scoring the more gritty goals consistently instead of the fancy stuff. Berube will help facilitate this hopefully

[@DarkFright]

4:59 - 5:06 this better become a thing in all the LFRs🤣😂👏🏻

[@davidfitzpatrick6535]

so what ur telling me IS Hakanpaa is the hockey verison of Braun Breaker (WOOF WOOF WOOF) in the WWE?

[@quercusquercus532]

Big Pääpä Pump?

[@davidfitzpatrick6535]

@@quercusquercus532 Big Papa Pump is his uncle. Bron is the son of Rick Steiner Big Papa Pump's Brother.

[@Joeblow12349]

You guys have been going on and on about how the Leafs d is subpar and they spend too much money on the core four . Stop bitchen when they get new big defence

[@BruceWayne-ee6vb]

Amen! Tre pretty much rebuilt this D core. Will they win a cup? Probably not, but it's a lot better than it was last year

[@starpetalarts6668]

umm... don't they need Left Wingers? why are they more loaded than a potato but missing wingers? Also with this Defense Samsonov would have looked good.

[@user-vs4cv3fc3k]

Knee Replacement surgery in the off season?

[@We90909]

I think he is going to trade reilly and marner something big is coming .

[@slowfiveoh4986]

lol no

[@ratedRblazin420]

Keep dreaming

[@tonybozzelli287]

Let's hope so

[@joshieboy9832]

I mean they couldn't defend a 1 goal lead 10mins left in a game 7 unlike the cup champs soooo yesss they're D core needed to be upgraded. Tbh until they can trade Marner or T they have to put the scoring in those 4 hands because that's where the money's going.

[@wmoumani5379]

Great signing!

[@709mash]

Tre really going ham on the blue line eh? I'm actually here for it!

[@LegoGBlok]

For his size, good skater. (at least these days, has improved his skating tons since his draft) One of the strongest players in the NHL, period. Great defensive d-man, who has a booming shot from the blue line and sometimes surprises everybody with his o zone skill. Great first pass guy forwards. Has played big minutes in Dallas, his role this past season wasn't as big what seasons prior when he clocked 22-24 minutes in many games, sure most game at 18-20, but still, he can carry minutes. tons of 5 on 5 minutes. Honestly, very stupid move from Dallas to let him go. Leafs get a really good d-man.

[@juholaitakari1305]

Don’t forget the blocked shots.

[@user-lc9wx9pe1c]

How fast is he ? How good does he skate

[@FridayNightLights19]

Jesse's argument that we didn't address the offense is a bit wide of the mark. We needed better puck movers to also get out of our zone and to get the puck to the forwards in the first place, which we get in Tanev and OEL. McMann was injured all playoffs and Cowan/Grebyonkin hopefully on the way to replace the scoring we lost from Bertuzzi.

[@AJ-ox6yi]

The a in Finnish is like in "father." The a with the dots is like in "dad"

[@keithbevins6688]

I missed this one. The Leafs have a Sasquatch... one more would be nice.

[@CometF81]

A solid 3rd pairing D-man that can easily fill in for 2nd pair when situation calls for it, and for that price? Leafs got a steal right there!

[@ouromov2895]

A Finn in the Leafs? Damn, I might actually watch now

[@rickyma3189]

They had Kapanen a few years back.

[@ryder5122]

Jesse can never be happy about anything. You have one of the best 3 d pairs you've had in years and he looks like he's going to cry because they don't have scoring?? Dude cmon stop acting like someone just ran over your dog

[@corytrevor5649]

220 is kinda lean for 6 7

[@Nathanielhiggerson66]

None of that matters really. He looks mean and thats what matters

[@nickyrocky1825]

I wanted him on THE RANGERS STEVE!!!

[@HeatherRadcliffe-jd8lr]

Well he's not cry more.

[@StarkStruckEntertainment]

Agree with Jesse on the offensive, however… new coach new system. !!!

[@bradsandel9050]

You guys aren’t even mentioning his blocks . Gonna be harder to score on the leafs this year get rid of lili and throw Benoit in there. Stolarz is 6’6 . Our problem now will be scoring and the power play.

[@ryanj357]

I don't know about having Woll as the #1. I don't think he's ready for it yet.

[@BonsaiPop]

As a bruins fan, it’d be nice to see the leafs put up a real fight come playoff time. It’d be nice if we could beat them in the conference finals instead of early 🤔

[@12AngryMen.]

Overall I like what the Leafs did. What would make it better is a Marner trade.

[@willjohnson5711]

Great signings but like Jesse mentioned treliving never addressed the biggest issue. Our top 4 guys can’t score. Trade marner get a couple solid wingers.