The Toronto Maple Leafs made the intriguing free agent pickup of Jani Hakanpaa, but now, his career may unfortunately be over in the NHL.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have already added Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and re-signed Timothy Liljegren on the blue line, and late on day one, they solidified a fantastic day by adding Jani Hakanpaa. The 6-foot-7 blue liner is one of the NHL's best penalty killers, and after playing alongside Tanev in 2023/24, the two are reunited in another Stanley Cup chase, this time with the Maple Leafs.
Jani Hakanpaa has signed a two-year, $3M contract with the Maple Leafs, per
@FriedgeHNIC. 🇫🇮
Now, a concerning report has emerged about Hakanpaa's future in the NHL, with Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun revealing that his career may be over before he even plays a game with the Maple Leafs.
"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."
There will likely be an official update from the Maple Leafs before the 2024/25 season begins, but right now, a key depth signing of the team may be done on the ice.
Source: Hockey Patrol
Leafs' Jani Hakanpaa reportedly to never play in the NHL due to injury
WILL JANI HAKANPAA PLAY IN THE NHL AGAIN? JULY 2 78 ANSWERS |
| YES | 49 | 62.8 % |
| NO | 29 | 37.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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