The Toronto Maple Leafs took care of business on Tuesday signing restricted free agent forward Nick Robertson to a one-year, $875,000 contract.
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With training camp set to open next week, TSN’s Darren Dreger says he expects the Leafs will now shift their focus by adding free agent forward Max Pacioretty and defenseman Jani Hakanpaa.
I would expect Pacioretty and Hakanpaa to be next in line as Leafs adds. It was important to get Robertson done to avoid the possibility of an offer sheet. https://t.co/45RJnN1HHC
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) September 10, 2024
The Maple Leafs reportedly expressed interest in Pacioretty a couple of weeks ago. The 35-year-old veteran had four goals and 19 assists in 47 games with the Washington Capitals last season. During that year, he returned from his second Achilles injury. The player could add some depth at the left-wing position for the Maple Leafs.
Related: Maple Leafs ‘Have Some Interest’ in Free Agent Forward Max Pacioretty
Jani Hakanpaa’s situation with the Maple Leafs has been a strange one all summer. Reports in July had Hakanpaa signing a two-year deal worth $3 million but the contract never got registered with the NHL. There were reported concerns about the Finnish defenseman’s knee injury he sustained last season with the Dallas Stars.
Over the last week, TSN’s Chris Johnston expressed optimism on his podcast that we’d see the defenseman at Leafs training camp.
The 6-foot-6 defenseman had two goals and 10 assists in 64 games with the Stars last season before he was shut down with injury.
If both players are effective for the Leafs, they could present nice value for needs. Hakanapaa gives the Leafs size while Pacioretty can provide some additional leadership.
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