Chris Johnston Raises Red Flags About Maple Leafs' Jani Hakanpaa
NHL Insider Chris Johnston has given a critical update regarding Toronto's Jani Hakanpaa and it's safe to say it's sounding a lot of alarms for the defenseman.
It was a big surprise to see Jani Hakanpaa selected to the 4 Nations Face-Off earlier this season even with only a couple of games played. However, he has since been replaced due to his nagging injury and though he seemed to be on track to get back, he's not close yet.
Which is why it's even more concerning that a new update from NHL Hockey Insider Chris Johnston has raised even more red flags regarding his health:
Obviously he's had ongoing knee issues since last March, and this doesn't say good things about the status of his health or potential availability for the Leafs."
Jani Hakanpaa's Injury Concerning For NHL Future
It's not good that it's been almost a year since Hakanpaa has been dealing with a knee injury and only had four cumulative games to show for it. He's been skating in morning skates, he's trying to get comfortable but clearly there's hesitation.
His inclusion in the 4 Nations Face-Off was less of a reward for a valiant return effort, but more a sign that Finland is already dangerously thin on defense. While a healthy Hakanpaa would have been a great addition, the same can be said about Miro Heiskanen who is going to miss as well.
Hakanpaa's comments toward the tournament sparked a bit of hope for his future and he genuinely seemed thrilled at the chance to play:
It gives that little extra boost every day knowing that's just around the corner. Hopefully, I can get there in time and help Team Finland create some good memories again."
Well it would be a good start if Hakanpaa started playing for the Maple Leafs first. He was supposedly close, then wasn't, then wanted to play, then was removed. It's been one step forward, three steps back for him this season, and if things are this concerning then maybe he should step back and reevaluate.
Originally signed to a two-year deal, concerns about his health led Toronto to only offer a one-year pact.
Over his six year career, Hakanpaa has 15 goals, 30 assists, 457 blocks and 899 hits in 290 games with Anaheim, Carolina, Dallas, and Toronto.
