NHL Insider shares latest on Jani Hakanpää
Will the Finnish defenseman suit up for the Leafs?
The Toronto Maple Leafs appeared to secure the services of Dallas Stars defenseman Jani Hakanpaa on the first day of the NHL free-agency period, reportedly signing him to a two-year deal worth $4 million.
But in a twist of fate, it's looking more and more like things may not actually work out between the two sides. The reported deal has yet to be formally announced by Toronto, and it's a distinct possibility that his career could be finished owing to a knee injury for which he underwent surgery in March; he's not played since then.
But could he eventually suit up? According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, it's a possibility.
''He believes he can play on his knee," he said. "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.''
''I think it really comes down to the medical opinion, how much risk the organization is willing to take," he continued. "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.''
"What's interesting about medical-related issues is some players do manage to play through certain things that others can't. I mean, everyone's bodies are different, pain tolerance, what have you. I guess the X-rays themselves are black and white, but sometimes the information isn't black and white."'
In 288 career NHL games with the Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, and Dallas Stars, Hakanpää has recorded 15 goals and 30 assists.
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