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Maple Leafs Defenseman Jani Hakanpaa Provides Surprising Update on Knee Injury
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Leafs defensemen Jani Hakanpaa has played in just two games for the club this season due to a knee injury, but revealed something potentially exciting this week.
Signed to a one-year deal ahead of training camp, Hakanpaa has skated in just two games for the Leafs this season as he continues to battle a knee issue that was surgically repaired in March of last year.
On Friday, with the absence of Oliver Ekman-Larsson at practice, Hakanpaa participated fully, taking reps on the third pairing, which is a good sign for both he and the Leafs.
Both sides are hopeful that he will be able to return to action if needed during the playoffs, with the Finnish defensemen addressing that possibility following practice.
"That's a tough one to say anything, really. It's been trending really good in the gym, out on the ice, & off the ice. Hopefully, we get there. We'll see. Pretty good spot right now, been making some good improvements. Getting back out there with the guys has been good. Slowly working our way towards playing again here."
The hulking defensemen also noted that while he is getting more comfortable on the ice, there are still a few things he is hesitant to do.
"There are a few things still there that I'd like to be a little better feeling on the ice, and other than that, just stringing good days together. Adding a little more load every day, adding a little more here and there, and then trying to string those good days, and make them good weeks into good months."
Having not played a game since mid-November, throwing the 33-year-old into a playoff game likely won't happen, given the pace and intensity, but having him as a last resort may very well be a good thing.
A penalty killing specialist, the Leafs could conceivably dress seven defensemen and use the blueliner in a specific penalty killing role depending on the series situation.
As the Leafs push for home-ice advantage to begin the playoffs, Hakanpaa will continue to work behind the scenes in the hopes of returning to the lineup at some point.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 12 | 2547 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Defenseman Jani Hakanpaa Provides Surprising Update on Knee Injury Do you think Hakanpaa's career is over? | ||
| Yes | 1819 | 71.4 % |
| No | 728 | 28.6 % |
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