The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to make two free-agent signings soon, possibly as early as today, according to reports from an insider. With training camp approaching next week, the team is looking to finalize deals after handling a key contract situation.
The Maple Leafs recently reached an agreement with forward Nick Robertson, who had been unsigned for months and was reportedly seeking a trade. The team rushed to complete Robertson’s contract to prevent another team from submitting an offer sheet. Now that Robertson is signed, the Leafs are shifting focus to adding two new players to their roster.
According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Maple Leafs are likely to sign veteran forward Max Pacioretty and defenseman Jani Hakanpaa. Dreger mentioned on social media that the team wanted to finish Robertson’s deal quickly and expects Pacioretty and Hakanpaa to be the next signings.
Pacioretty, 35, has struggled with injuries in recent years, including two Achilles tendon tears. He returned to play for the Washington Capitals in January, contributing 23 points in 47 games during the regular season and four playoff appearances. Despite his injury history, Pacioretty remains a valuable veteran presence.
Hakanpaa was initially expected to sign with Toronto on July 1st, but a knee injury created uncertainty about his availability for the 2024-25 season. Now that Dreger suggests the Maple Leafs are set to add him, it seems the team is confident he will be fit to play.
With the Leafs having only $400,000 in salary cap space, there are challenges to making these signings work financially. The team may bring in both players on professional tryout contracts and will need to move salary or release them if they cannot resolve their cap issues before the regular season begins.
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