Jani Hakanpaa's status according to Craig Berube should bring relief to Maple Leafs fans

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Chris Gerics
September 21, 2024 (8:12 PM)

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Head coach Craig Berube shared some news regarding the status of Jani Hakanpaa and it looks like the Finn could join the team sooner than later.

The Toronto Maple Leafs surprised a lot of people this summer when they signed Jani Hakanpaa to a 2-year deal mainly due to the fact that the towering Finnish defenseman has had some serious knee issues in recent years. The Maple Leafs could use a defenseman who is an elite shutdown defenseman, and his metrics prove that he will be a huge asset to the Leafs when healthy.

Although he starts his tenure with Toronto still dealing with his knee injury, head coach Craig Berube shared an update about Hakanpaa that looks extremely hopeful for both the Finn and for the fans.

"He's getting better. He's actually doing well," Berube said on Saturday. "I talk to him daily about his situation and how he's feeling and where he's at. He's getting better. I think it's close. Hopefully next week he'll be in the group there with us."

Big news considering that Hakanpaa could be on the shelf for an undisclosed time for the Maple Leafs and if he's as close as Berube says he is, we could be closer to seeing the true Maple Leafs as they were intended to be. It would give Toronto the extra depth and shutdown defense they need to make a deep playoff run.

Hakanpaa isn't necessarily the biggest scorer averaging 2.5 goals and 5 assists in his NHL career, but what stands out is his defensive wizardry. He completely smothers the opposition and prevents way more offensive chances in the zone due to his size and ability to control the puck. He's not afraid to throw the body around either, ranking 15th in the league for hits per 60 minutes and also has no hesitation about blocking shots; ranking 38th in the league per 60. It's numbers like those that would be a massive addition to a Maple Leafs team who hasn't necessarily but out the highest caliber of defender in recent years; often it feels like it lies on the shoulders of Morgan Rielly and his associates to carry the burden and sometimes it just wasn't enough.

The signing was something the Maple Leafs needed and although it took awhile, they finally got there. What's frustrating is the unknown of the situation. Sure, fans can try and be optimistic about things but every time Leafs fans try, it backfires on them and they turn on the player. It feels like money could have been spent elsewhere, or maybe bring a couple of others in on PTO's and see if they work out but that argument will be assuaged once Hakanpaa takes the ice. It's been a long time since Maple Leafs fans have felt confidence in their defense and if they can hold down the fort; there's no telling what the team can accomplish.

The saga of Jani Hakanpaa during the summer was one of anxiety and 'what ifs' but it turns out the Maple Leafs were still able to get their man. If Hakanpaa can stay healthy and manage his knee issues, he could provide the biggest boost to the Maple Leafs' run to the Stanley Cup. We don't know how long it'll be, but it sounds like it's soon.