Insider Chris Johnston has Leafs fans buzzing with latest report on newly acquired stud defenseman
Photo credit: Canadian Running Magazine
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed Jani Hakanpaa earlier this offseason, but injury concerns have raised doubts about his future.
However, a major update from a top insider has shed some light on the situation.
In their efforts to strengthen the blue line, the Maple Leafs also brought in Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, both expected to play key roles. The uncertainty surrounding Hakanpaa's status, due to an injury he sustained with the Dallas Stars last season, left fans wondering what the future holds for him in Toronto.
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Now, TSN's Chris Johnston has provided some optimism, stating that Hakanpaa is likely to participate in the Maple Leafs' training camp, though it hasn't been officially confirmed yet.
«I'm a little more optimistic it feels as though, based on what I've pieced together, we're likely to see him at training camp. That hasn't been confirmed I still think there's a world where it happens.»
Though nothing is set in stone, this update is the first bit of positive news regarding Hakanpaa in a while. Given his injury history, the team will need to manage him carefully. However, if he's healthy and ready for opening night, it would be a big win for a Maple Leafs defense that needs all the help it can get heading into the 2024/25 season.
Previously on PuckReporter
POLL |
6 SEPTEMBRE | 68 ANSWERS Insider Chris Johnston has Leafs fans buzzing with latest report on newly acquired stud defenseman Do you think Jani Hakanpaa will be ready for the start of the season for the Toronto Maple Leafs? |
Yes | 19 | 27.9 % |
No | 49 | 72.1 % |
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