Troubling news surfaces regarding Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa
Photo credit: Sportsnet
The Toronto Maple Leafs may face blueline issues this season due to reports about Jani Hakanpaa's health before his signing.
On July 1st, Leafs general manager Brad Treliving made multiple free agent signings. One of those additions was former Stars defenseman Jani Hakanpaa.
The 6'6" defenseman played 64 games for the Stars last season, recording 12 points. With 288 career NHL games, he is a reliable bottom-pair defender known for his heavy physical play.
However, a knee injury sidelined him during the Stars' playoff run last season, and it seems this issue has followed him to Toronto. This lingering injury is likely the reason why the team has not yet officially announced his contract.
From Simmons about Jani Hakanpaa's potentially career-ending knee injury. Do the Leafs even have a team doctor?
Leafs fans probably won't be pleased to hear about Hakanpaa's injury woes. He has been dealing with knee problems for a year now.
Last offseason, he decided on rehab rather than surgery to fix the issue. It seems that decision may now be haunting him, as his knee remains a significant problem.
Jani Hakanpaa's knee history:
May 2023: Knee injury, in and out of playoff lineup
June 2023: Prepares for knee surgery
September 2023: Revealed that he opted against surgery
May/June 2024: Misses entire playoffs due to knee injury
June 2024: Underwent arthroscopic procedure
May 2023: Knee injury, in and out of playoff lineup
June 2023: Prepares for knee surgery
September 2023: Revealed that he opted against surgery
May/June 2024: Misses entire playoffs due to knee injury
June 2024: Underwent arthroscopic procedure
It appears that Hakanpaa may not be joining the Leafs after all. The team is thoroughly assessing his condition and might conclude that he isn't physically ready to play in the NHL again. Could Brad Treliving be in the market for another defenseman? Time will tell.
Source: Hockey Patrol
Concerning report emerges regarding Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa
Concerning report emerges regarding Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa
| POLL | ||
10 JUILLET | 148 ANSWERS Troubling news surfaces regarding Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa Do you believe Jani Hakanpaa will play any games for the Toronto Maple Leafs next season? | ||
| Yes | 50 | 33.8 % |
| No | 98 | 66.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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