While nothing has been definitively decided on Jani Hakanpaa, the likelihood of his deal with the Leafs being finalized goes down the longer this drags out.

That is what Chris Johnston reported when asked about the ongoing saga during an appearance on First Up on TSN 1050 on Tuesday morning. He noted that Hakanpaa never formally signed with the Leafs on July 1st because of concerns about his knee and while the player thinks he can play, medical opinions are casting doubt on it happening.

“The fact that’s gone on this long probably doesn’t suggest good things, encouraging things,” Johnston said. “The longer it goes and he doesn’t have a contract,  it doesn’t look like he’s gonna end up with one. But the best I can say right now is I don’t know 100% it’s not going to go that way, just the writing doesn’t appear to be too encouraging. This would be just a case where the Leafs would have concern or their doctors or whoever they’re relying on for advice that it’s too big of a risk that he won’t be able to play because of the condition of his knee.”

Things can certainly change in the coming weeks before training camp and he could get the green light to continue his NHL career, but it sure seems unlikely that Hakanpaa will end up becoming a Leaf given how much time has passed since the deal was initially reported on Canada Day. The fact that it is now revealed he never actually signed indicates that this was all connected to his health status and nothing would be processed until the medical tests came back clean.

Back when Hakanpaa was first reported to have joined the Leafs, reports emerged that he is suffering from a “degenerative knee” that is bone-on-bone which prompted the Stars to let him walk in free agency. While Toronto’s doctors initially gave Brad Treliving and company the green light to proceed forward with the pursuit of the towering Finnish defenceman, it appears that the medical staff must have unearthed the same ailment and it has resulted in this dragged-out stalemate.

Treliving commented on the saga for the first time since he first spoke on the player on the day Auston Matthews was officially named team captain. He opted not to reveal much, only saying that they are “working through it” and hoped to get clarity on it soon.

One way or another, the status of Hakanpaa will soon be decided given that training camp is fast approaching and the preseason begins in less than a month. It may get resolved in a positive manner that allows the contract to finally be processed by the NHL, but it sure seems like the wind is blowing in the other direction. Should this end up being the case, the Leafs will need to pivot quickly since there are not too many RHD options left in free agency and it will give them clarity on their cap space so they can better assess how to deal with Nick Robertson.

For now, Leafs fans will continue to hold their breath as the Hakanpaa saga continues to drag on without a resolution.