Two Maple Leafs Defensemen Quickly Losing Their Place With the Team Despite Praise From the Organization
Two Toronto Maple Leafs defensemen have seemingly run out of chances as the team finds their defensive identity.
As the team gets their defensive looks ready after uncertainty to start the year, it's been made clear who's in favor in Toronto with new head coach Craig Berube and who's not. It appears now that two defensemen are the ones being pushed to the side. It's not for a lack of trying, it's just they have had no room for them amidst a revamped defense.
Jani Hakanpaa and Philippe Myers Spot Isn't A Lock
Jani Hakanpaa and Philippe Myers have seldom seen the ice this season, and it's unclear when the two will, or if their chance is going to come with Toronto at all.
The Leafs have already moved on from spare parts that lacked value in their eyes. Timothy Liljegren was traded to the San Jose Sharks for Matthew Benning, and two draft picks but was sent down to the Toronto Marlies and hasn't appeared for Toronto this season.
Myers has played in just one game for Toronto this season, a healthy scratch for most of the year and having been sent down to the AHL with the Toronto Marlies on a conditioning loan. Myers was recently recalled but is waiting for his chance to play.
In 159 career games, Myers has 8 goals and 36 points split between Philadelphia, Nashville, Tampa, and Toronto.
Hakanpaa, who was recovering from offseason knee surgery, has appeared in only two games for the Leafs this season.
Where Myers was expected to be a rotational piece for the team, Hakanpaa was projected to play in games for Toronto, but has still been away from seeing the ice. Hakanpaa signed a one-year deal with the Leafs.
Hakanpaa for his career has 45 points in 290 games with Anaheim, Dallas, Carolina, and Toronto.
Both are big, defensive-minded defensemen, Myers being 6'5 and Hakanpaa 6'6, both the type of tall player GM Brad Treliving highly covets, especially on defense, but seems to be less of a necessary focus for Berube in the lineup each night.
With Jake McCabe absent, it will be even more of a question what their roles will be when he returns and is active.
Craig Berube has been positive speaking on both Hakanpaa and Myers which leads to the question further what their future is, and if they're even if the plans for this season and what their future is with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
FAQ: Jani Hakanpaa and Philippe Myers Are Losing Their Spot
Q1: Why are both players losing their spot with Toronto?
A1: Both players are losing their spots with Toronto due to their revamped defense and the production it is currently receiving. Although Hakanpaa was supposed to be a part of it, he has only appeared in two games for Toronto.
Q2: Will either man play with the Leafs again?
A2: It's hard to say. Toronto is very high on Philippe Myers and his ability to play the puck and defend, meanwhile Toronto has coveted Hakanpaa for a little bit now.
Both men will get their chance if someone falters or gets injured.
In closing, Jani Hakanpaa and Philippe Myers are losing their spot with the Maple Leafs not due to their terrible play or some locker room issues.
It's due to Toronto being suddenly strong in the defensive category and are impressed with the pieces they've used thus far.
