Toronto Maple Leafs' Jani Hakanpaa comes clean about off-season injury

Since his signing on July 1st, there has been much speculation over the injury status of Jani Hakanpaa and his knee. On Monday, he spoke for the first time about his condition.

The big man arrived in Toronto ahead of training camp, a scenario few had predicted until he signed his standard player contract last week. Having undergone surgery earlier this year, he has been rehabbing ever since. Though the rehabilitation process has been grueling, Hakanpaa has remained optimistic about suiting up this season all along.

Regarding going back onto the ice, Hakanpaa said that he is still waiting for the Leafs' medical team to give him the all-clear. That will come tomorrow when he meets with them. He's optimistic that it should be very soon.

Hakanpaa stands at an intimidating 6'7" and 222 pounds on the ice. If his size is anything to go by, he is equally intimidating, boasting 898 career hits and 453 blocked shots in 288 NHL games. The addition of such a player to the Toronto blueline cannot go unnoticed. When he gets to full fitness, he will add that much-needed physicality.

At this juncture, it's anyone's guess whether Jani Hakanpaa will start the regular season on LTIR or as the Leafs' seventh defenceman, being eased in slowly. If his rehab goes well, he should be back before the season does.