NHL analyst Jonas Siegel considers $1,470,000 defenseman a “non-workout” after Maple Leafs second season Brad Treliving
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| NHL analyst Jonas Siegel considers $1,470,000 defenseman a “non-workout” after Maple Leafs second season Brad Treliving |
Almost everything general manager Brad Treliving has touched has turned to gold in his second year with the Toronto Maple Leafs. His moves, including bringing in a new coach, have the Leafs in first place in their division. They are leading the defending champions and Treliving’s work has played a huge part in helping them get there.
However, not everything was successful. A good example is the signing of defenseman Jani Hakanpaa for $1.47 million. One hockey analyst believes this is the only blemish on Treliving’s resume this year.
In Jonas Siegel’s latest column at The Athletic, the analyst lists Hakanpaa, who hasn’t played since mid-November and has just two games on the year, under the “not practicing” line.
“The 32-year-old was on the ice recently 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 to a one-year deal in the fall rather than the two-year deal that was prematurely announced in July.”
According to Siegel, Hakanpau’s signing was initially controversial due to knee problems, and “the first half of the season did nothing to alleviate those concerns.”
The NHL the insider said the concerns only increased because of the lack of playing time and the apparent slowness with which he played when the quarterback was healthy. Siegel said it could be “huge” if Hakanpaa returns to form, but that doesn’t seem likely.
NHL member praises Brad Treliving’s addition of Chris Tanev to the Maple Leafs
Brad Treliving has made a successful move to sign defender Chris Tanev to a six-year contract. So far, the move has aged like fine wine for the Maple Leafs in many ways.
Something crucial, especially compared to Tanev’s peers, is how many games he’s played. While Auston MatthewsAnthony Stolarz and others were injured, Tanev was not.
“Tanev played in every game but one. He’s only half a season into a six-year deal – a full decision on his contract, which expires in 2030, won’t come for a while. But he was outstanding early on.” Jonas Siegel said.
Tanev outscores his teammates in shots, scoring chances, high-danger chances, high-danger goals and expected goals in five-on-five.