Leafs newly signed UFA defenseman Jani Hakanpaa facing retirement due to injury
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Samer Dagher
Jul 2, 2024 (9:06 PM)
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Photo credit: Heavy.com
The Toronto Maple Leafs recently acquired Jani Hakanpaa, but an interesting report suggests he may never play again.
General Manager Brad Treliving was aggressive on the first day of NHL free agency, securing key defensive players, including the 6-foot-7 Jani Hakanpaa.
Jani Hakanpaa has signed a two-year, $3M contract with the Maple Leafs, per
@FriedgeHNIC. 🇫🇮
@FriedgeHNIC. 🇫🇮
This signing was considered a big win for the Leafs, as Hakanpaa is known for his strong penalty-killing abilities. However, a report from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun casts doubt on whether Hakanpaa will ever take to the ice again.
"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."
If true, this would be a significant blow to both Hakanpaa and the Leafs, who are aiming for another push for the Stanley Cup in 2024/25. It would be a sad end to what was once a very promising career.
Source: Blade of Steel
Report says Toronto Maple Leafs' Jani Hakanpaa may never play again
Report says Toronto Maple Leafs' Jani Hakanpaa may never play again
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