Whether we see Jani Hakanpaa in a Maple Leafs jersey next season remains a mystery.
The 32-year-old defenseman reportedly signed a two-year, $3 million contract with Toronto on the opening day of NHL Free Agency. However, a report from Postmedia’s Steve Simmons said Hakanpaa had been dealing with knee issues and had a procedure in March, not allowing him to play since.
“I was told his knee was bone on bone,” Simmonds posted on X just one day after the defender reportedly signed with Toronto. “I asked the Leafs about this. They said their doctors cleared him to be signed. We’ll find out in the fall – or later – whether he can play again.”
The Maple Leafs still haven’t officially announced the deal, but GM Brad Treliving did speak about Hakanpaa on July 1, saying the defender “shines in his ability to kill penalties.” He added that Toronto would rather have too many defensemen than not enough.
Hakanpaa’s future with Toronto became more of a mystery on Saturday after the defender attended an All-Star Charity Golf Tournament in Oulu, Finland, and wore a Dallas Stars jersey.
The event, which helps underprivileged youth to practice and find the joy of exercise, was hosted by several Finnish current and past NHLers, including Hakanpaa, recent Stanley Cup Champion and Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola, Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho, Markus Nutivaara, retired goaltender Pekka Rinne, and retired forward Jussi Jokinen.
The charity tournament has raised nearly €650,000 since it began eight years ago.
The Hockey News reached out to Hakanpaa’s representatives last week for clarity on the player’s status but received no response.
Hakanpaa averaged the sixth-most ice time (18:39) among Stars defensemen last season. He had two goals and 10 assists in 64 games with Dallas but hasn’t seen game action since Mar. 16 against the Los Angeles Kings.
The 6-foot-7 defenseman is still not on the Maple Leafs’ official roster page as of writing this on Aug. 3.
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Daniel Miller is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. His coverage spans from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis for sports enthusiasts.
