3 Teams Who Could Sign RHD Jani Hakanpaa

Jani Hakanpaa is a late-bloomer who burst on the scene in 2020-21. From the Anaheim Ducks to the Carolina Hurricanes. the towering defenseman hits the free-agent market looking for a raise and some job security. He's going to have a ton of interest and will have some options to consider for his next contract.

3 Teams Who Will Have Interest in Signing Hakanpaa

Pittsburgh Penguins: The Penguins are in the market for some more size and toughness and there's nobody that fits the bill better on the back-end than Hakanpaa. His 217 hits were third in the entire NHL last season and his $750,000 contract was a steal of a deal. Look for him to price himself around the $1.5 million mark this summer, which is affordable for Penguins general manager Ron Hextall.

Carolina Hurricanes: From all accounts the Hurricanes loved having Hakanpaa on their side and he even scored a timely playoff game for the team. He couldn't get over the reception and welcoming he felt in Carolina, so there's certainly some momentum there for him signing a multi-year deal.

Toronto Maple Leafs: At 6'4 Hakanpaa brings size to the table, which is something Toronto, like a lot of teams could use. The Leafs have some decisions to make before the Seattle Kraken draft and with their own free agents, which could open up a roster spot for a depth defenseman. The Finnish native brings the type of nasty the Leafs are looking for this offseason.

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