Maple Leafs Confirm the Worst for Defenseman Jani Hakanpaa
The Maple Leafs are coming into a new week on a winning note, but had the unfortunate duty to confirm the worst for defenseman Jani Hakanpaa on Monday.
Back in July, when the Leafs had initially agreed to terms on a contract with Hakanpaa, reports surfaced that he was dealing with a debilitating knee injury that may cost him his career.
Instead of signing Hakanpaa, the Leafs worked closely with him throughout the summer and eventually signed him to a 1-year deal ahead of training camp worth $1.47M, which was around the same value his initial 2-year deal was reported to be per season.
Hakanpaa finally made his Leafs debut in mid-November, skating in two games against the Washington Capitals and Edmonton Oilers.
After those two games, however, Hakanpaa was scratched and hasn't returned to the lineup since. His absence led to concern among fans that he was injured again, which the Leafs confirmed on Monday by placing him on injured reserve.
Hakanpaa was placed on injured reserved retroactive to November 16th meaning that he is able to return to the lineup whenever.
In placing him on injured reserve, the Leafs also recalled Marshall Rifai. The recall of Rifai comes as a bit of a surprise given that the Leafs have Philippe Myers on the roster already and he has skated in just one game.
Hakanpaa's status will be something to keep an eye on and given the Leafs are holding a morning skate Monday ahead of their game against Chicago, Craig Berube should provide some more insight at some point Monday.
