Maple Leafs Surprise Fans with Quiet Assignment of Two Players to the Toronto Marlies: Who Will They Replace?

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Daniel Lucente
November 1, 2024 (10:12)

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The Leafs announced that both Connor Dewar and Jani Hakanpaa have been assigned to the Toronto Marlies on an LTIR conditioning loan.

After a chaotic start to the season, the Toronto Maple Leafs are finally gathering momentum. In the first 11 games, with a 6-4-1 record, there is quite a lot to be excited about with this team. They pulled off some great wins and really seemed to build great chemistry, even as they integrated a fresh lineup and adjusted to a brand-new goaltending duo. Back to back wins over Winnipeg and Seattle are huge momentum boosts. But even while the Leafs heat up, they aren't failing to prepare for roster changes that will add even more depth to their game.

The Leafs are close to getting back defenceman Jani Hakanpaa and forward Connor Dewar, two veterans expected to make valuable contributions. Hakanpaa and Dewar were assigned to conditioning stints with the Toronto Marlies; a sure sign their long-awaited returns aren't far off.

Under this assignment, the pair will only have a maximum of three games in the AHL to get sharpened and up to speed before rejoining the main roster. The news was shared by NHL insider Luke Fox via his X account.

When Connor Dewar does return, he likely slides into one of those bottom-line spots on the Leafs, and that likely comes down to a decision between Nick Robertson and Pontus Holmberg. What separates Dewar so much from Robertson or Holmberg is that his motor skills and ability to slide into just about any situation make him so much more valuable considering neither of the other two have the consistency in their game that Dewar does.

Entering his fifth full season in the league, Dewar's established himself as one of those gritty, hard-nosed players who plays to the identity of fourth-line players. His physicality and defensive awareness give Toronto an added layer to their forward group, making the Leafs a more rounded and tough lineup to contend with when Dewar does return to their lineup.

Jani Hakanpaa is also set to be in high demand by his team, claiming a roster spot from either Simon Benoit or Conor Timmins. A very physical, defensively conscious blue-liner, Hakanpaa has played 288 games in his NHL career, firming up and stabilizing teams as a strong penalty-killing component.

Benoit and Timmins have had solid but unspectacular starts, while Hakanpaa's veteran leadership, shot-blocking, and reliability should immediately boost the Leafs' defensive depth. His experience and ability to clear the front of the net will go a long way in anchoring the Leafs' third defensive pairing.

With Jani Hakanpaa and Connor Dewar, there comes a guarantee of upgraded performances that would give the Leafs the much-needed shots of physicality, defensive acumen, and work ethic. The veteran presence has swept through places that until recently, had been manned by players wh, by and large have found it tough to keep consistency, this experience could mean more than game-changing traits that might prove to be pivotal in the development of the season.

With both players nearing full strength, that presence can turn what was a good start into one even more formidable for Toronto. Fans are definitely very excited about this news.