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Leafs provide a major update regarding the return of Jani Hakanpaa and Connor Dewar

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Daniel Lucente
November 1, 2024  (10:02)
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Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa speaks to the media
Photo credit: Sportsnet video screenshot

The Leafs have announced that Jani Hakanpaa and Connor Dewar have been assigned to the AHL Marlies for a LTIR conditioning stint.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have assigned defenceman Jani Hakanpaa and forward Connor Dewar to the AHL's Toronto Marlies on long-term injury reserve conditioning loans. This move is aimed at preparing both players for their seasonal debuts as Hakanpaa works his way back from a knee injury he suffered last year in service with the Dallas Stars, while Dewar recovers from off-season shoulder surgery.

Prior to getting hurt, Hakanpaa, 32, had a pretty strong year with the Stars, notching two goals and 10 assists in 64 games while playing nearly 19 minutes per contest. Stars GM Jim Nill confirmed Hakanpaa indeed had an arthroscopic procedure on his knee, although thankfully no further surgeries were required, however, he was still dealing with this injury shortly after signing with the Leafs as a free agent. His return to the ice has been highly anticipated, especially after a series of contract negotiations with the Maple Leafs. Initially reported by TSN's Darren Dreger on July 1, Hakanpaa agreed to a two-year, $3 million deal, but eventually signed a one-year, $1.47 million contract just last month.

"I would expect that Brad Treliving is either going to have to place another player on waivers, perhaps there's a conditioning stint to the American Hockey League that can be applied, or the idea of a trade, because Toronto right now is locked in with its 23-man roster," Dreger said on Insider Trading. "But beyond that, it was a fresh start for Timothy Liljegren. Right? He wasn't fitting the eye of head coach Craig Berube. So, he gets that start with the San Jose Sharks. The Toronto Maple Leafs get a couple of draft picks, which they need. Matt Benning - a veteran defenceman - who Treliving could also flip and add an additional asset. So, tidy work with depth players."


A pick of the St. Louis Blues in the fourth round of the 2010 NHL Draft, there was nothing conventional about Hakanpaa's road to the NHL. Picked early on, the Finnish defenceman didn't make his on-ice debut until the 2019-20 season as a member of the Anaheim Ducks. In all, he's played 288 career games for the Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, and Stars with 15 goals and 45 points. The physical presence he has always enjoyed in his career and the experience he has amassed is expected to stabilize the Maple Leafs' blue line when fully back to his usual form.

Connor Dewar, 25 also stands ready for the Maple Leafs after agreeing to a one-year, $1.18 million deal in July. Between the Minnesota Wild and Toronto last season, he registered 11 goals and 19 points in 74 regular-season games. Dewar added an assist in six playoff games, with the Leafs falling in a tight seven-game series to the Boston Bruins in the first round. Originally selected 92nd overall by the Wild back in 2018, Dewar has scored 19 goals and 43 points in 190 career NHL games.

How both these players fit into the lineup upon return from their respective injuries is something the Leafs are more than anxious to see. Whereas Jani Hakanpaa's physicality and experience are key for the 'D' core, Connor Dewar provides depth to the forwards with his versatility and possible goal-scoring ability. The conditioning assignments to the Marlies will lead to a hopeful turnaround, but their effect is to be closely watched as the Leafs fight for competitiveness.

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Leafs provide a major update regarding the return of Jani Hakanpaa and Connor Dewar

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