Almost everything general manager Brad Treliving touched turned into gold in his second year with the Toronto Maple Leafs. His moves, which included bringing in a new coach, helped the Leafs rise to first place in their division. They are leading the defending champions and Treliving’s work has played a huge role in getting them there.
But not everything went well. Defender Jani Hakanpaa’s $1.47 million contract is a good example. One hockey analyst believes that’s the only flaw on Treliving’s resume this year.
In a recent column by The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel, the analyst categorized Hakanpaa, who hasn’t played since mid-November and played just two games all year, as “inactive.”
“The 32-year-old has recently been on the ice for regular skating work with player development coach Denver Manderson, but has not participated in practice in a month,” the analyst said. “Hakanpaa was a Flyer when the Leafs finally signed him in the fall to a one-year deal rather than the two-year deal that was earlier reported in July.”
According to Siegel, Hakanpaa’s signing was initially controversial due to knee problems, and “the first half of the season did nothing to allay those concerns.”
NHL insiders said concerns have grown due to a lack of playing time and poor play when defensemen are healthy. Siegel said it could be “huge” if Hakanpaa were to come back into shape, but that seems unlikely.
NHL insider praises the addition of Chris Tanev to Brad Treliving’s Maple Leafs.
Brad Treliving made a blockbuster move by signing defenseman Chris Tanev to a six-year contract. So far, the move has aged like fine wine for the Maple Leafs in many ways.
What matters, especially compared to Tanev’s peers, is how many games he has played. Auston Matthews, Anthony Stolarz and others suffered injuries, but Tanev did not.
“Tanev has played in all but one of the games. He is only half a season into a six-year contract. A full verdict on his contract, which expires in 2030, will not be forthcoming for some time, but he has been excellent in the beginning. said Jonas Siegel.
Tanev dominates his teammates 5-on-5 in shots, scoring chances, high-danger goals, high-danger goals and expected goals.
Editor: Krutik Jain
