Jani Hakanpaa speaks out on the shock potential of a career-ending injury
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Jani Hakanpaa's career with the Toronto Maple Leafs faces uncertainty as the defenseman grapples with a potential career-threatening knee injury.
After missing the playoffs with the Dallas Stars due to this injury, Hakanpaa signed a two-year deal with the Leafs, valued at $1.5M per year, according to PuckPedia.
Despite the new contract, Hakanpaa's ability to fulfill his role remains in doubt. Insider Chris Johnston recently discussed on his podcast that Hakanpaa is determined to continue playing, despite the serious concerns about his injury. Johnston remarked:
''He believes he can play on his knee. But I don't know that there's unanimity in that opinion from those that are looking at his medical file and just concerns that, essentially, he's got bone-on-bone. It's not a situation that could be terribly comfortable. I think it really comes down to the medical opinion, how much risk the organization is willing to take. But Hakanpaa certainly seems intent on continuing his career, feels that maybe he needs some time off but will be able to play, ultimately, on that knee.''
"''He believes he can play on his knee. But I don't know that there's unanimity in that opinion from those that are looking at his medical file and just concerns that, essentially, he's got bone-on-bone. It's not a situation that could be terribly comfortable. I think it really comes down to the medical opinion, how much risk the organization is willing to take. But Hakanpaa certainly seems intent on continuing his career, feels that maybe he needs some time off but will be able to play, ultimately, on that knee.''
"What's interesting about medical-related issues is some players do manage to play through certain things that others can't. I mean, everyone's bodies are different, pain tolerance, what have you. I guess the X-rays themselves are black and white, but sometimes the information isn't black and white."
"''He believes he can play on his knee. But I don't know that there's unanimity in that opinion from those that are looking at his medical file and just concerns that, essentially, he's got bone-on-bone. It's not a situation that could be terribly comfortable. I think it really comes down to the medical opinion, how much risk the organization is willing to take. But Hakanpaa certainly seems intent on continuing his career, feels that maybe he needs some time off but will be able to play, ultimately, on that knee.''
"What's interesting about medical-related issues is some players do manage to play through certain things that others can't. I mean, everyone's bodies are different, pain tolerance, what have you. I guess the X-rays themselves are black and white, but sometimes the information isn't black and white."
Hakanpaa, 32, could be jeopardizing his NHL career by pushing through this injury. Known for his physical and defensive contributions on the ice, his past three seasons with the Stars saw him amass 40 points. If he can overcome this injury, his presence could be a valuable asset for the Leafs.
Stay tuned for updates on how this situation unfolds and impacts both Hakanpaa's career and the Maple Leafs' defensive lineup.
Source for Jani Hakanpaa's statistics:
PuckPedia}»
PuckPedia}»
Source: Hockey Patrol
Jani Hakanpaa makes surprising statement on possible career-ending injury
Jani Hakanpaa makes surprising statement on possible career-ending injury
| POLL | ||
18 AOUT | 95 ANSWERS Jani Hakanpaa speaks out on the shock potential of a career-ending injury Do you believe Jani Hakanpaa will retire before the next season starts due to his injury? | ||
| Yes | 63 | 66.3 % |
| No | 32 | 33.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
Latest 10 stories
