How Will the Toronto Maple Leafs New Free Agent Signings Fit Into Their Lineup?

What will be the optimal strategy for the Maple Leafs to deploy their new recruits from free agency into the lineup?

May 23, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Chris Tanev (3) skates against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period in game one of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Chris Tanev (3) skates against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period in game one of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports | Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Jani Hakanpaa

The signing of Jani Hakanpaa was actually more a shocking move by the Leafs, given that some have already pegged that his injury to his knee last season may ultimately affect his playing status going forward.

However, if Hakanpaa somehow manages to regain his health, he will likely play ahead of Simon Benoit on the 3rd pairing.

With his strong physical presence, the ability to average more than 100 blocks and 200 hits a season, along with averaging close to 19 minutes of ice time per night, Hakanpaa certainly has the ability to be a true difference maker for the Maple Leafs.

On top of that, with his size and positioning, he should be a tantalizing force to significantly boost the Leafs penalty kill, which had struggled for much of last season.

Added to the fact that he is right-handed shot, he would be the perfect complement to the left-handed heavy defensive corps of the Maple Leafs.

But the main question now is, will Hakanpaa be healthy enough to play and make the signing official? Otherwise, all of this talk and hype for the bruising defenseman could be all for not in the end.

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