Toronto Maple Leafs send veteran duo to AHL for physical training

After some tough losses to start the season, the Toronto Maple Leafs seem to be finding their groove. With a 6-4-1 record through their first 11 games, the team should be encouraged. They were able to win some impressive games by building chemistry with their new lineup and fielding a whole new tandem of goalies in goal.

Part of the Maple Leafs’ plan is to use some key veterans in secondary roles, such as defenseman Jani Hakanpaa and forward Connor Dewar. Both were brought in to provide some crucial depth to the squad and neither have played a single game this season. But both appear close to returning as the Leafs sent the veteran duo to their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, for a training period. The team shared their latest developments via their X account.

With this assignment, both players will need up to three games to get up to game speed in the AHL. This will be a huge step for Hakanpaa and Dewar as they near recovery from injury.

Hakanpaa is in his sixth NHL season and first in Toronto. The 32-year-old blueliner has 288 NHL games under his belt, playing for the Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars. He has 15 goals and 45 points in his career as he is known primarily for his defensive play. When he returns to the Leafs’ lineup, he should slot into their third pairing and bolster their penalty-killing unit.

Dewar is entering his fifth season in the NHL and second with the Maple Leafs. Originally drafted by the Minnesota Wild, he spent his first three professional seasons with Minnesota before signing with Toronto. During his career, he played 190 games, scored 19 goals and scored 43 points. Known for his hard-working style of play and ability to play in the bottom six, Dewar will likely be an important fourth liner for the Leafs going forward.

Be sure to bookmark Breakaway OnSI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage, and more!