Leafs' acquisition Jani Hakanpaa's NHL future uncertain due to injury concerns
Photo credit: NHL
The Toronto Maple Leafs recently acquired Jani Hakanpaa, but now, an intriguing report suggests he may never play again.
General Manager Brad Treliving made bold moves on the first day of NHL free agency, securing crucial defensive pieces to bolster their Stanley Cup aspirations, including 6-foot-7 monster Jani Hakanpaa.
Jani Hakanpaa has signed a two-year, $3M contract with the Maple Leafs, per
@FriedgeHNIC. 🇫🇮
@FriedgeHNIC. 🇫🇮
This acquisition was significant for the Maple Leafs, adding a dependable depth defenseman renowned for his penalty-killing prowess. However, a recent report from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun suggests a potential setback: despite the Maple Leafs' stance, Hakanpaa's NHL career may be in jeopardy.
"A year ago, maybe two years ago, Hakanpaa would have factored rather nicely on the Leafs defence. He's a giant of a man at 6-foot-7, popular in the room, that great hockey vernacular, and a penalty-killer beyond compare. But one with a knee so bad that some think � although the Leafs disagree � that he may never play again.
The Leafs signed him to play but many doubt he will. It's said to be bone-on-bone with not much knee left. It's said to be trouble.
Two years ago, Hakanpaa was playing 18 minutes for the Stars. He might have played his last NHL game in March. If he plays again, plays at all for the Leafs, it will shock those who were around in recent seasons."
The Leafs signed him to play but many doubt he will. It's said to be bone-on-bone with not much knee left. It's said to be trouble.
Two years ago, Hakanpaa was playing 18 minutes for the Stars. He might have played his last NHL game in March. If he plays again, plays at all for the Leafs, it will shock those who were around in recent seasons."
This could deal a devastating blow to both Hakanpaa and the Maple Leafs, especially as they aim to contend for the Cup in 2024/25. If he indeed cannot continue playing, it would mark a somber conclusion to what had been a promising and exciting career.
Source: Hockey Patrol
Leafs' Jani Hakanpaa reportedly to never play in the NHL due to injury
Leafs' Jani Hakanpaa reportedly to never play in the NHL due to injury
| POLL | ||
2 JUILLET | 267 ANSWERS Leafs' acquisition Jani Hakanpaa's NHL future uncertain due to injury concerns Do you think Jani Hakanpaa will play in the NHL ever again? | ||
| Yes | 114 | 42.7 % |
| No | 153 | 57.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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