Maple Leafs Provide Puzzling Update on Defenseman Jani Hakanpaa

The Toronto Maple Leafs took on the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday evening, but they did so without former Stars defenseman Jani Hakanpaa, who has been sidelined for all but 2 games this season.

Hakanpaa originally injured his knee in March of the 2023-24 season, which played a major part in the Maple Leafs having to wait until just before training camp to finally get a deal finalized.

The Finnish defenseman was progressing well in his rehab and recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery at the beginning of the season, which allowed him to return to action on the 13th of November.

Unfortunately, he only lasted one more game before being placed on the IR, which at that point was retroactive to November 19th, but head coach Craig Berube had a slightly positive outlook at the time.

However, things have since unravelled to a point where there are no further updates one month later, outside of the shocking announcement that he underwent a procedure on his knee at the beginning of December.

As reported by Nick Barden from The Hockey News, Berube gave us an insight on the Maple Leafs' current outlook on Hakanpaa from earlier today, but it's not the most promising update.

Hakanpaa's tenure has not gone as expected and having just signed a one-year deal, it will make things very interesting down the road, especially come playoff time. He was named to Team Finland ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off so there must be some sort of belief that he could be on his way back sooner rather than later.

Unfortunately, for the time being, we must wait on his return as the Maple Leafs continue to find ways to maneuver through their injuries.