Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving Optimistic About New Season

Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving expressed optimism regarding the upcoming NHL season, despite some challenges facing the team. In remarks made on Tuesday, Treliving addressed the status of defenceman Jani Hakanpää, who was recently placed on long-term injured reserve.

Jani Hakanpää, who signed a one-year contract with the Maple Leafs as a free agent, is expected to return early in the season following a knee injury. “We thought coming into it [that] it would be a few weeks. Touch wood there’s been no setbacks,” Treliving stated during a press briefing. He added that Hakanpää has been practicing but not fully engaging in contact drills. “We’ll hopefully have a game plan in the next couple of weeks,” he noted.

The 32-year-old Finnish defenceman previously played with the Dallas Stars, recording two goals and ten assists over 64 games last season. His average ice time was 18:38 per game. Stars General Manager Jim Nill earlier confirmed that Hakanpää underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his knee but was not expected to need further surgery.

Initially reported by TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, Hakanpää’s deal with the Leafs was initially thought to be a two-year, $3 million agreement. However, it was later finalized as a one-year contract valued at $1.47 million.

The Maple Leafs will begin their season on Wednesday without Hakanpää as they face the Montreal Canadiens. Coach Craig Berube remains undecided on the starting goaltender, with Joseph Woll being the first goalie off the ice at practice. “We’ll see tomorrow,” Berube said, emphasizing a day-by-day approach.

Woll and recent free-agent addition Anthony Stolarz are expected to share goaltending duties during the season. The team is focused on improving its performance and building depth, particularly on the blue line with new additions such as Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

Treliving commented on the importance of size on the blue line, stating, “The length is hard to get around. They can be sticky. They take away space.” He believes the team’s defensive plays will offer greater challenges to opponents this season.

The Maple Leafs’ aspirations include a strong division performance, though Treliving remains grounded in focusing on daily progress. “We are going to worry about today. Stack good days up, and you are going to end up where you want to end up,” he said.