Insider provides some clarity on situation between Jani Hakanpaa and the Maple Leafs
Jani Hakanpaa has his beliefs about what he can accomplish this season, but there are certainly doubts that he'll suit up for the Maple Leafs due to injury concerns.
As speculation swirls around Hakanpaa's knee injury and its impact on his potential contract with the Maple Leafs, NHL insider Chris Johnston has provided insight into the Finnish defender's situation and his plans to overcome it.
According to Johnston's comments on the CJ Show:
''He believes he can play on his knee. But I don't know that there's unanimity in that opinion from those that are looking at his medical file and just concerns that, essentially, he's got bone-on-bone. It's not a situation that could be terribly comfortable.''
Johnston also noted that signing Hakanpaa will depend on the Maple Leafs' risk tolerance:
''I think it really comes down to the medical opinion, how much risk the organization is willing to take. But Hakanpaa certainly seems intent on continuing his career, feels that maybe he needs some time off but will be able to play, ultimately, on that knee.''
A Hakanpaa signing would align with the Maple Leafs' offseason goal of strengthening their blue line with veteran defenders who excel at keeping the puck out of the net.
As mentioned earlier this week, Hakanpaa has been on the Maple Leafs' radar for some time, so it wouldn't be shocking to see a deal get done.
Source: The Hockey News
Jani Hakanpaa Reportedly Wants to Continue Career Amid Contract Situation with Maple Leafs
Source: HockeyDB
Jani Hakanpaa statistics
| POLL |
AOUT 17 | 1597 ANSWERS Insider provides some clarity on situation between Jani Hakanpaa and the Maple Leafs Will Jani Hakanpaa's knee injury force him to retire from the NHL? |
| Yes | 831 | 52 % |
| No | 332 | 20.8 % |
| Unsure | 434 | 27.2 % |
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