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Nearly 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 in their division. They lead the defending champions, and Treliving’s work has played a huge role in helping them get there.

not everything has worked out, though. The $1.47 million signing of defenseman Jani Hakanpaa is a good example of that. One hockey analyst believes that’s the lone blemish on Treliving’s resume this year.

In the latest column of Jonas Siegel on The Athletic, the analyst finds Hakanpaa, who hasn’t played since mid-November and has just two games under his belt all year, under “not working out.”

“The 32-year-old has recently been on the ice for regular skating work with player development coach Denver Manderson, but he hasn’t participated in practice in a month,” the analyst said. “Hakanpaa was a flier when the Leafs eventually signed him in the fall to a one-year deal and not the two-year contract that was prematurely reported in July.”

According to Siegel, Hakanpaa’s signing was initially controversial due to knee troubles, and “the first half of the season has done nothing to ease those concerns.”

The NHL insider said the concerns have only increased given the lack of playing time and the apparent sluggishness with which he’s played when the defenseman has been healthy. Siegel said it could be “huge” if Hakanpaa returned to form, but it doesn’t look likely.

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

Brad Treliving made the blockbuster move to sign defenseman Chris Tanev to a six-year deal. Thus far, the move has aged like fine wine for the Maple Leafs in so many ways.

Brad Treliving brought in Chris Tanev (Imagn)Brad Treliving brought in Chris Tanev (Imagn)
Brad Treliving brought in Chris Tanev (Imagn)

Something crucial, especially when compared to Tanev’s peers, is how many games he’s played. While Auston Matthews, Anthony Stolarz and others have suffered injuries, Tanev has not.

“Tanev has played in every game but one. It’s only a half-season of a six-year deal — a full ruling on his contract, which expires in 2030, won’t come for a while. But early on, he’s been excellent,” Jonas Siegel said.

Tanev tops his teammates in shots, scoring chances, high-danger chances, high-danger goals and expected goals in five-on-five.