Since that word came down, we are yet to hear anything from Hakanpaa or the Maple Leafs themselves, and now, Hakanpaa's latest public appearance has potentially tipped us off as to his future.
This isn't a good look for the Maple Leafs, as Hakanpaa was seen interacting with fans in a Dallas Stars jersey, the team he departed in free agency, hinting the deal in Toronto may officially be done. The deal came in at two-years, $1.5 million AAV, but now the Maple Leafs may look back to free agency with questions over the veteran's future as they look to finally make a deep playoff run in 2024/25.
We will have to wait and see what the future officially holds for this deal, but right now, all signs are pointing to the deal not being made official and Toronto moving on from the 32-year old.