Maple Leafs poach former Stars defenseman

The Toronto Maple Leafs have already secured the services of one former Dallas Stars defenseman, acquiring the rights to Chris Tanev and then signing him to a new deal. 

And now, add another physical blue liner that played last season with the Stars. The Maple Leafs have signed Jani Hakanpää to a two-year contract. According to Darren Dreger, the deal carries an AAV of $1.5 million. 

Originally selected by the St. Louis Blues in the fourth round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, he would instead return to his native Finland to continue playing. He would return to North America by signing with the Anaheim Ducks in July of 2019, and would later be traded to the Carolina Hurricanes. 

In the summer of 2021, he agreed to a three-year, $4.5 million contract with the Stars. Last season, he scored two goals with 10 assists in 64 regular season games. 

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