Leafs' Jani Hakanpaa reportedly to never play in the NHL due to injury

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Tom Banks
July 2, 2024 (11:41)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs only just acquired Jani Hakanpaa, but now, an interesting report has revealed that he may never take to the ice again.

General Manager Brad Treliving was aggressive on day one of NHL free agency, landing key defensive pieces for their charge to the Stanley Cup, including 6-foot-7 monster Jani Hakanpaa.

Jani Hakanpaa has signed a two-year, $3M contract with the Maple Leafs, per
@FriedgeHNIC. 🇫🇮

This was seen as a huge deal for the Maple Leafs to get a solid depth defenseman who can kill penalties like few others in the NHL, but now, one report may put a damper on those expectations and excitement. According to Steve Simmons with the Toronto Sun, while the Maple Leafs may disagree, Hakanpaa may never see the ice in the NHL again.

"A year ago, maybe two years ago, Hakanpaa would have factored rather nicely on the Leafs defence. He's a giant of a man at 6-foot-7, popular in the room, that great hockey vernacular, and a penalty-killer beyond compare. But one with a knee so bad that some think � although the Leafs disagree � that he may never play again.

The Leafs signed him to play but many doubt he will. It's said to be bone-on-bone with not much knee left. It's said to be trouble.

Two years ago, Hakanpaa was playing 18 minutes for the Stars. He might have played his last NHL game in March. If he plays again, plays at all for the Leafs, it will shock those who were around in recent seasons."

This would be a brutal blow to Hakanpaa and the Maple Leafs, who are expected to push for the Cup once more in 2024/25, and if he can no longer play, it will be a sad end to an exciting and very promising career.

Source: Blade of Steel
Report says Toronto Maple Leafs' Jani Hakanpaa may never play again