Craig Berube Makes Important Decision Regarding Jani Hakanpaa and Connor Dewar

At the beginning of the month, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that they had assigned defenseman Jani Hakanpaa and forward Connor Dewar to the AHL's Toronto Marlies on an LTIR conditioning loan, effectively setting up their eventual return process.

While the assignment provides a very positive and optimistic outlook for two key depth players moving forward this year, it seems as though we might have to wait just a little bit longer for their season debuts with Berube believing they still need a few more games with the Marlies.

Hakanpaa was one of many free agent acquisitions made by Brad Treliving to address needs on the back end. After signing Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, the Maple Leafs snatched up Hakanapaa as well, but his road was a little bumpier compared to the aforementioned duo.

After a few months of mystery and intrigue about whether or not the Leafs had actually signed the hulking Finnish defensemen, they finally made it official, while also giving us more insight on the injury that was plaguing him. He's been sidelined since the end of the 2023-24 season as a member of the Dallas Stars, but it sounds like he's very close to returning.

Dewar, on the other hand, was acquired ahead of last year's trade deadline from the Minnesota Wild and then subsequently signed a one-year contract over the summer. His addition to the lineup could spell trouble for Pontus Holmberg, though, as the young forward hasn't played his best hockey this season.

Nevertheless, it's exciting times for the Maple Leafs, who desperately need their depth to step up. Unfortunately, Dewar and Hakanpaa will not be in the lineup for the Leafs this weekend, which would have been an ideal time to give them a look with the absence of Auston Matthews extending into the weekend.