The Toronto Maple Leafs Signing Jani Hakanpää Could Signal an 11-7 Lineup Approach

The Toronto Maple Leafs recent signing of Jani Hakanpää has added a new layer to their defensive depth, potentially signaling a shift in their lineup strategy. With a defense now stacked with names like Morgan Rielly, Chris Tanev, Jake McCabe, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Timothy Liljegren, Simon Benoit, and Hakanpää, the Leafs may be leaning toward running an 11-7 lineup. This tactical setup, with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen, provides Toronto with greater flexibility in both their defensive pairings and offensive deployment. Here’s why this move could mark a significant strategic shift for the Maple Leafs this season.

Strengthening the Blue Line

The addition of Hakanpää gives the Maple Leafs a defense corps that covers a wide range of styles and strengths. Known for his physicality and size, Hakanpää is a 6’7”, 225-pound stay-at-home defenseman who excels at clearing the front of the net and shutting down opposing forwards. His ability to log tough minutes and contribute to the penalty kill adds to the Maple Leafs versatility, especially in a lineup that may benefit from using seven defensemen to rotate based on matchups and situations.

An 11-7 lineup would give the Leafs the chance to use Hakanpää strategically, keeping him fresh for penalty kills, late-game situations, or when they need a physical presence on the ice. This setup also ensures that other key defensemen like Morgan Rielly and Chris Tanev can be used in offensive or defensive roles, without overloading any one player with minutes.

Defensive Pairing Flexibility

Running seven defensemen allows head coach Craig Berube to rotate pairings more freely, especially in-game adjustments depending on matchups or game flow. The current defensive depth chart includes a balanced mix of two-way defensemen, puck movers, and defensive specialists, making this flexibility valuable. Here’s a potential look at how the pairings could shake out:

1. Morgan Rielly – Chris Tanev
   This duo would be a formidable top pairing, combining Rielly’s offensive instincts with Tanev’s shutdown ability. Tanev, a veteran with a wealth of experience, can provide the stabilizing force that allows Rielly to focus on driving the play from the back end.
2. Simon Benoit – Jake McCabe
   This pairing brings a blend of physicality and shut-down ability. McCabe is known for his rugged, defensive-first style, while Benoit has shown as a steady partner for McCabe after last season.
3. Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Timothy Liljegren/Jani Hakanpää
   Ekman-Larsson, once a top-tier NHL defenseman, has struggled in recent years but can still bring value with the right usage. Playing alongside a defense-first player like Hakanpää could allow him to focus on his offensive instincts, giving him a chance to rediscover his game. Liljegren’s ability to transition the puck out of the defensive zone adds a dynamic element. Liljegren’s continued development makes him an ideal candidate to play a higher role.

With a seventh defenseman like Hakanpää in the lineup, the Leafs can rest certain players or rotate based on situational needs. For example, in games where physicality is required, Hakanpää can take on more minutes, while in other situations, a more offensive defenseman like Ekman-Larsson or Liljegren can be given more ice time.

Strategic Benefits of the 11-7 Setup

The 11-7 lineup is not new in the NHL, with teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning and Vegas Golden Knights using this structure to great effect in recent seasons. This approach can offer several key benefits for the Maple Leafs:

1. Enhanced Defensive Depth: By carrying an extra defenseman, the Leafs reduce the burden on their top players, particularly during a long season. This can help avoid fatigue and prevent injuries, allowing Toronto to maintain a solid defensive core throughout the year.
2. Specialized Roles: With Hakanpää in the fold, the Leafs have the luxury of employing specialists. He can focus on penalty killing and high-leverage defensive moments, while others like Rielly can play more offensively. This specialization gives the Leafs more control over the flow of the game.
3. Game-Time Adjustments: The 11-7 configuration allows for more fluid in-game adjustments. For example, if the Leafs are trailing, they can lean on Rielly or Liljegren to play more minutes in offensive situations. If they need to protect a lead, Hakanpää and Tanev can be deployed in shutdown roles, ensuring the team can adapt as the game evolves.
4. More Ice Time for Star Forwards: Running 11 forwards instead of 12 opens up extra ice time for top players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander. Berube can rotate these star forwards more frequently, keeping them fresh while maximizing their impact. Additionally, the Leafs have several forwards capable of playing in various roles, which helps mitigate the loss of a 12th forward.

Balancing the Forwards

Shifting to an 11-7 lineup means the Maple Leafs will roll with one fewer forward, which could create opportunities for the team’s top players to take on more ice time. With Matthews, Marner, and Nylander all capable of playing in various situations, this setup allows Berube to mix and match lines more effectively. Secondary forwards like Max Domi and Calle Järnkrok could also see increased responsibilities as a result.

Moreover, this system allows the Leafs to better manage injuries or slumps. If a forward isn’t performing, they can afford to reduce their minutes and rely on the defensive depth to make up the difference. This approach also helps manage the load on veteran players, ensuring that everyone stays fresh for the playoffs.

Final Thoughts

The signing of Jani Hakanpää may be the clearest indication yet that the Toronto Maple Leafs are prepared to adopt a more flexible and specialized approach to their lineup. With a defense core that is deep, varied, and experienced, the team is well positioned to experiment with an 11-7 formation that could provide significant strategic advantages. From defensive stability to increased offensive flexibility, this new look Leafs roster is designed to adapt and compete at the highest level, and running an 11-7 lineup might just be the key to unlocking their potential in the upcoming season.