Concerning report surfaces on newest Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa
The Leafs signed former Dallas Stars defenseman Jani Hakanpaa to a two-year contract yesterday, but a report had surfaced that his career may be in jeopardy.
The Leafs added Hakanpaa to the right side of their blueline on the same day that they came to terms with Chris Tanev on a six-year deal and Oliver Ekman-Larsson on a four-year deal. Hakanpaa's deal, however, is significantly less than Tanev's and OEL's, seeing him earn just $1.5M per season. The 6'7, 222-pound blueliner is a very physical presence and a very good penalty killer.
According to the Toronto Sun's Steve Simmons, unfortunately, there is some concern from around the league that Hakanpaa may not play in the NHL 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."
Hakanpaa has already had surgery to repair his knee and, during the Dallas Stars' playoff run, had been skating by himself. However, this isn't the first time that the Leafs have signed a Stars defenseman dealing with an injury as Treliving brought in John Klingberg last season. Klingberg played a handful of games before undergoing season-ending hip surgery. Given the fact that Hakanpaa had been skating and has a summer of recovery and strengthening, all signs point to him being ready for training camp, contrary to what Simmons is reporting.
Source: Steve Simmons, Toronto Sun
Maple Leafs signings � The good, the bad and the ugly
| POLL |
JUILLET 2 | 697 ANSWERS Concerning report surfaces on newest Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa Will Hakanpaa play this season? |
| Yes | 501 | 71.9 % |
| NO | 196 | 28.1 % |
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