"This has to put them over the cap"; "They're going all the way now": NHL fans react to Maple Leafs signing Jani Hakanpaa to a one-year deal

Insider Elliotte Friedman has confirmed the Toronto Maple Leafs recently signed defenseman Jani Hakanpaa to a one-year, $1.47 million deal.

With the deal, the Maple Leafs add a towering defenseman who fits coach Craig Berube’s physical style. While concerns about Hakanpaa’s health surfaced, those fears have subsided enough for the club to green-light his contract.

However, some fans are skeptical about the decision. Here’s a look at what fans are saying about the deal:

“This has to put the Leafs over the Cap lol,” one fan weighed in.

“This deal makes me super skeptical,” another fan chimed in.

“Wow this puts the Leafs over the edge,” a fan commented.

Not all comments cast skepticism toward the Maple Leafs’ signing, however. Some fans seemed excited about Hakanpaa joining Toronto. Here’s a look at what the optimistic fans said:

“Good for Jani. Good defensively sound guy on their back end,” this fan remarked.

“Good to see he’s healthy enough to sign,” this fan posted on X.

“If healthy, Leaf’s blue line is looking elite,” another fan commented on social media.

Hakanpaa is competing for a spot on the Leafs' third pairing. If healthy, he adds noted physicality. This dynamic could make Toronto more formidable this season.

Looking at Hakanpaa’s complicated history with the Toronto Maple Leafs

According to The Hockey News, the Leafs initially signed Hakanpaa to a two-year $3 million contract this offseason. That report surfaced when Toronto announced it had signed Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

However, Hakanpaa’s first deal with the team didn't materialize. The Hockey News said the contract wasn’t registered with the NHL, so the signing was merely speculation.

Afterward, details surfaced about the Leafs’ concerns regarding a knee injury Hakanpaa sustained last season with Dallas. Rumors stated the injury was severe enough to end Hakanpaa’s career.

Since then, the rumor mill has churned regarding Hakanpaa’s Toronto status. At one point, it seemed the Leafs would pass on Hakanpaa. However, it seems the Leafs are now comfortable enough to sign him.

Hakanpaa should report to training camp in the coming days. It is unknown if Hakanpaa is ready for a top-four role or is destined for the bottom six.