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Unsettling information regarding Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa surfaced


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Fred Maltes
July 3, 2024  (9:27)
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Unsettling information regarding Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa surfaced
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In a significant move to strengthen their defensive lineup, the Toronto Maple Leafs have inked deals with three key players, including Jani Hakanpaa.

Making headlines not just for the additions but also for the concerning speculations around one of their new signings. The Leafs confirmed the signing of former Dallas Stars defenseman Jani Hakanpää to a modest two-year contract, valued at $1.5 million per season. This decision comes amid reports casting doubts over his future in the NHL due to a serious knee issue.
Jani Hakanpää, known for his imposing stature at 6'7" and weighing 222 pounds, brings a highly physical game to the ice, excelling particularly in penalty killing. His signing was announced alongside those of Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who joined the Leafs on six-year and four-year deals respectively. While Tanev and Ekman-Larsson's contracts are considerably more lucrative, Hakanpää's addition is seen as a strategic, albeit risky, bet by the Leafs.
The cloud of uncertainty hanging over Hakanpää's career stems from concerns voiced by Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun. Simmons highlighted that despite Hakanpää's physical advantages and popularity among teammates, his career might be at a standstill due to a deteriorating knee condition described as "bone-on-bone."
"A year ago, maybe two years ago, Hakanpää 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, Hakanpää 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."

Despite these alarming reports, there is a glimmer of hope. Hakanpää underwent knee surgery and was seen skating solo during the Stars' playoff campaign. His situation is reminiscent of the Leafs' previous gamble on John Klingberg, another Stars defenseman with injury concerns. Klingberg's tenure with the Leafs was cut short due to a hip injury after just a few games.
With a full summer of recovery and training ahead, the Leafs are optimistic about Hakanpää's readiness for the upcoming training camp, countering the bleak outlook presented by Simmons. The true test of Hakanpää's capability to return to form will be a critical storyline to follow as the season approaches.
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Unsettling information regarding Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa surfaced

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