Maple Leafs Make Surprising Roster Move Ahead of Wednesday's Game Against Washington
The Maple Leafs have added another body to their blueline ahead of Wednesday's game against the Washington Capitals in the second half of a back-to-back.
After concerning reports about a knee injury caused the Maple Leafs to hold off on signing Jani Hakanpaa, the two sides agreed to a one-year deal ahead of training camp while he recovered from his knee injury.
Hakanpaa has spent the entire season on LTIR, but appeared close to returning when he and Connor Dewar began travelling with the team at the end of October before being assigned to the Toronto Marlies on a conditioning stint earlier this month.
Hakanpaa has been itching to make his Leafs debut and on Wednesday morning, he was cleared by the Leafs' medical staff.
The Leafs have announced they have officially activated the 6'7 bruising defenseman from LTIR ahead of their game against the Washington Capitals tonight.
Hakanpaa likely won't be making his Leafs debut on Wednesday, but could very well get into the lineup on Saturday when the Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid visit Toronto.
As Calle Jarnkrok remains on LTIR, activating Hakanpaa, has left the Leafs with a little over $700,000 in cap space and they are now carrying a full roster of 23 skaters after sending Matt Benning to the Marlies on Tuesday.
When the Leafs signed Hakanpaa, he was expected to play bottom-pairing minutes and help improve the Leafs' penalty kill. So far this season, the Leafs' penalty kill has been very good and adding another quality blueliner should only make it better.
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