While there’s been a significant amount of virtual ink spilled about the Red Wings’ potential interest in Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson…
As I said earlier this afternoon, however, surrendering significant assets for a 35-year-old defenseman who sometimes doesn’t play all that much defense, especially at a $11.5 million cap hit for two more seasons (none of which, the well-connected say, that the Penguins wish to absorb), well, all of that leaves me jittery and less than enthusiastic by an unappealing equation.
If the Red Wings don’t make any further changes to their blueline, however, EliteProspects’ depth chart sums up the fact that the Wings would have to lean heavily on William Lagesson, Griffins signee Ian Mitchell, and, most likely, 23-year-old prospect William Wallinder if the Wings suffer injuries on defense.
Even presuming that Axel Sandin Pellikka is nearly good to go at the NHL level, or that Antti Tuomisto or Shai Buium could be called up safely, the Wings’ blueline is definitely a little thin at this point.
Given that situation, Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen believes that the Red Wings may very well need to sign another depth defenseman or two, and he offers a very specific suggestion this evening in 6’7,” 235-pound defenseman Jani Hakanpaa:
One interesting available right shot defenseman is Janne Hakanpaa, a 6-foot-7 Finn who says he’s healthy enough to make a comeback after playing only two games last season with Toronto because of a miserable knee injury. The 33-year old is a free agent, although there has been some talk about the Maple Leafs possibly looking at him again.
In three seasons with Dallas from 2021-24, Hakanpaa averaged 120 blocks and 223 hits per season.
Obviously, before an NHL team does sign Haakanpaa his knee will have to be examined extensively. But there hasn’t been any rumors about Haakanpaa, except that perhaps the Maple Leafs are interested.
More likely, Yzerman is looking at trade options. That’s an ongoing process for all general managers. That’s when Yzerman has to consider what the timelines are for Wallinder and Sandin Pellikka. The Red Wings need to win now, but they also must have path for their youngsters to use to reach the NHL.
I’m not certain whether the Red Wings are going to add to their top-four defense this summer, nor add to their top-six forward corps, because Allen’s own National Hockey Now compatriot, Pittsburgh Hockey Now’s Dan Kingerski, suggested that secondary scorers like Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust might be commanding premium prices.
As such, the Red Wings’ almost notoriously patient GM may very well choose to wait until the 2025-2026 season is underway, if not closer to the 2026 trade deadline, to address the Wings’ structural needs for a top-four D and a top-six forward.
Unlike what’s been suggested of late, it’s hard to believe that Yzerman would give up ASP for Mason McTavish, for example, and the trade market is otherwise utterly dead in August for good reason.
Anyway…
Wallinder may have to start in Grand Rapids, but Yzerman admitted in the spring that he was close.
“William,” Yzerman said, “has really come around in all aspects of the game.”
Continued; Allen’s suggestion is pretty astute as far as right-shooting, physical UFA defensemen with some upside are concerned.
Wallinder’s 23 and really faces a pivotal season regarding his development in North America, to be certain, and the Wings want him to take steps forward, but if he doesn’t, he and Tuomisto might head back to Europe to earn better paydays. And whether they’re ready for full-time NHL duty is up in the air…
So the Wings could do worse than have a happy happy Hakanpaa.
