Popular Leafs reporter reveals why he believes the Leafs should cut ties with Jani Hakanpaa immediately
Photo credit: Dallas Stars
The ongoing saga between the Maple Leafs and Jani Hakanpaa has piqued the curiosity of most fans, but one reporter believes the Leafs would be wise to walk away.
Recently, it was revealed by trusted NHL Insider Chris Johnston that the Maple Leafs' reported 2-year deal with Hakapnaa very much depends on what the team's medical staff's opinion of the injury is, casting doubts on whether or not the deal will ever be finalized.
Hakanpaa himself has been adamant that his knee is fine to play on, but during Tuesday's edition of Leafs Morning Take, host Nick Alberga shared his strong opinion regarding the situation, emphasizing that the Leafs should just cut bait and focus their attention elsewhere.
"The whole thing is just bizarre to me, and my stance probably won't change. If the guy's not healthy, or you don't think he's healthy, there's no need to sign him. Just reallocate that money somewhere else. If not, just don't use it right now.
This is a team that is in cap hell every year. Any penny you can save for a guy who you're not sure is going to play for you, you just walk away... Again, the Dallas Stars have been one of the best scouting teams in the NHL in the last 10-15 years and if they're walking away from a guy, it should tell you something. If their doctors are saying something, it should tell you something, so just a really, really bizarre situation that I can't believe has dragged on this long."
This is a team that is in cap hell every year. Any penny you can save for a guy who you're not sure is going to play for you, you just walk away... Again, the Dallas Stars have been one of the best scouting teams in the NHL in the last 10-15 years and if they're walking away from a guy, it should tell you something. If their doctors are saying something, it should tell you something, so just a really, really bizarre situation that I can't believe has dragged on this long."
A number of reports emerging on July 1st suggested that the Leafs and Hakanpaa had agreed to a 2-year deal worth a very reasonable $1.5M per season.
Obviously, with the deal not having been finalized as of yet, the Leafs have found something that they're not entirely comfortable with. This does not necessarily mean that it doesn't make its way across the finish line, but it's certainly a concern nonetheless, and perhaps Alberga's suggestion would be a wise one for the Maple Leafs to take under advisement.
Source: Hockey DB
Jani Hakanpaa player profile
Jani Hakanpaa player profile
| POLL | ||
20 AOUT | 1370 ANSWERS Popular Leafs reporter reveals why he believes the Leafs should cut ties with Jani Hakanpaa immediately Do you agree with Nick Alberga's take on the Jani Hakanpaa situation? | ||
| Absolutely. Just walk away | 1012 | 73.9 % |
| No, he's a valuable piece. Sign him anyway | 358 | 26.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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