NHL analyst Jonas Siegel deems $1,470,000 defenseman as ‘not understanding’ following Brad Treliving’s second Maple Leafs offseason

Practically all the things common supervisor Brad Treliving has touched has turned to gold in his second 12 months with the Toronto Maple Leafs. His strikes, together with bringing in a brand new coach, have the Leafs in first of their division. They lead the defending champions, and Treliving’s work has performed an enormous position in serving to them get there.

Not all the things has labored out, although. The $1.47 million signing of defenseman Jani Hakanpaa is an effective instance of that. One hockey analyst believes that is the lone blemish on Treliving’s resume this 12 months.

Within the newest column of Jonas Siegel on The Athletic, the analyst finds Hakanpaa, who hasn’t performed since mid-November and has simply two video games underneath his belt all 12 months, underneath “not understanding.”

“The 32-year-old has lately been on the ice for normal skating work with participant growth coach Denver Manderson, however he hasn’t participated in apply in a month,” the analyst mentioned. “Hakanpaa was a flier when the Leafs ultimately signed him within the fall to a one-year deal and never the two-year contract that was prematurely reported in July.”

In accordance with Siegel, Hakanpaa’s signing was initially controversial resulting from knee troubles, and “the primary half of the season has completed nothing to ease these issues.”

The NHL insider mentioned the issues have solely elevated given the dearth of taking part in time and the obvious sluggishness with which he is performed when the defenseman has been wholesome. Siegel mentioned it might be “large” if Hakanpaa returned to kind, however it would not look possible.

NHL insider lauds Chris Tanev’s addition to Maple Leafs by Brad Treliving

Brad Treliving made the blockbuster transfer to signal defenseman Chris Tanev to a six-year deal. Up to now, the transfer has aged like effective wine for the Maple Leafs in so some ways.

One thing essential, particularly when in comparison with Tanev’s friends, is what number of video games he is performed. Whereas Auston Matthews, Anthony Stolarz and others have suffered accidents, Tanev has not.

“Tanev has performed in each recreation however one. It’s solely a half-season of a six-year deal — a full ruling on his contract, which expires in 2030, received’t come for some time. However early on, he’s been glorious,” Jonas Siegel mentioned.

Tanev tops his teammates in photographs, scoring possibilities, high-danger possibilities, high-danger targets and anticipated targets in five-on-five.