Jani Hakanpaa's 4 Nations Tournament Comments Raise Alarming Concerns for the Leafs
Jani Hakanpaa's surprise selection to Team Finland seemed to have motivated the injured defenseman but his comments sound a loud alarm for the Maple Leafs.
It caught most fans off guard when the 4 Nations Face-Off teams were announced. Though each roster is filled to the brim with talented NHL players, many were snubbed as debates and discussion surrounded whether or not a spot was deserved.
The one shock that doesn't seem to get much attention is Team Finland adding Jani Hakanpaa.
The defenseman has only played twice this season for the Maple Leafs, but it was enough to convince the Finnish team to take a chance on him.
The surprise choice must have motivated Hakanpaa, and his recent comments about his return to the ice should spark hope for Finland...and worry for the Maple Leafs.
Jani Hakanpaa's Focused On Finland; Not Maple Leafs
Speaking to Sportsnet's Luke Fox, Hakanpaa opened up about what the selection to his native country means for his recovery going forward:
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."
While Hakanpaa does have great memories in the past playing for his country, the focus should be on helping the team he's currently on first. Yes, Hakanpaa is motivated to get back on the ice in any respect, but this is the first real comments regarding his readiness and they don't mention Toronto at all.
He does admit that he's unsure if he can get to the tournament in time, but he should really make sure he gets back in the swing of things in the NHL first.
The tournament is three and a half weeks away, and while that is more than enough time for him to get healthy, Toronto only has four games in February before the tournament, so he would need to get healthy in two weeks to play that stretch and gauge his readiness.
Signed by the Maple Leafs this offseason, Hakanpaa initially agreed to a two-year pact however the concerns about his potential re-injury factor pushed that down to a one-year deal instead.
He made his debut earlier this season after rehabbing from surgery, and registered zero points, four blocks, one hit, and was a minus-1.
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