Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman's career may be over per reports
Today a new report from Toronto Maple Leafs writer Steve Simmons has put the career of a Maple Leafs defenseman in doubt and the front office under fire again.
This summer the Toronto Maple Leafs wanted to drastically overhaul their defense. This was accomplished by acquiring multiple defensemen including Chris Tanev and Jani Hakanpaa.
Since signing Jani Hakanpaa there have been rumors that he is not healthy and could be dealing with a career threatening injury. A new report from Maple Leafs journalist Steve Simmons has now confirmed this.
What I was told about Hakanpaa was the belief that he would never play again in the NHL. I was told that his bone-on-bone knee was apparently shot. I was told — from two sources — that they didn't think that any team would sign him.
Despite being under the impression that Jani Hakanpaa would not be able to continue his career the Toronto Maple Leafs clearly felt different.
Maple Leafs doctors clear Jani Hakanpaa to be signed by the team
Steve Simmons goes on to say he asked the Maple Leafs directly about the situation and was told the team doctors cleared Jani Hakanpaa.
I asked the Leafs about the injury on Monday and was informed that he was cleared by the Toronto doctors.
It remains to be seen whether or not Jani Hakanpaa does end up playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. If he is forced to medically retire this would be back-to-back years that the Maple Leafs would face a medical blunder with signing a defenseman after last season losing John Klingberg to an existing injury.
If the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to compete for a Stanley Cup they need players who can be relied on. Signing players with high injury risk or players in their late 30s like Chris Tanev is not the way to accomplish that goal.
As the season gets going all eyes will be on the Toronto Maple Leafs to see if they once again put all of their eggs in the wrong baskets with their offseason acquisitions.
Source: Hockey Patrol
Injury update on Jani Hakanpaa looks even worse for the Maple Leafs
Injury update on Jani Hakanpaa looks even worse for the Maple Leafs
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 7 | 78 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman's career may be over per reports Will Jani Hakanpaa be forced to medically retire from the NHL after signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 52 | 66.7 % |
| No | 26 | 33.3 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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