Jani Hakanpaa Feels His Maple Leafs Debut Is Imminent

It's been a big news day on the Toronto Maple Leafs blueline. In addition to the long-awaited trade of Timothy Liljegren (to the San Jose Sharks in return for Matt Benning and a couple of draft picks), we're also learning of what should be the impending debut of Jani Hakanpaa, "sooner (rather) than later."

Per David Alter of The Hockey News, the hulking 6'7" D-man is "beyond the point of being concerned about his knee and is itching to get back into the lineup the moment he's cleared by the team". Hakanpaa says he's pumped:

The excitement's been going for a long time now. So, I hope they release me (from long-term injured reserve) sooner than later so it doesn't go overboard.

Hakanpaa, who signed a free agent deal this past offseason, has been a part of all of the team's meetings, and even made the trip on the road this past weekend to Boston and then Winnipeg, further indicating his return is imminent.

It will have to wait, however, until that LTIR stint is up, which comes this Friday, on November 1st. That's not a guarantee that it'll happen right on that day, as salary cap issues must be addressed. But the 32-year-old blueliner, who's recovering from a knee injury suffered near the end of last season with the Dallas Stars, says he knows what type of maintenance is needed so that he doesn't exacerbate the injury.

"I'll get out there and I'll just play the game, right," Hakanpaa said. "Off the ice, there are things we've got to stay on top of it. So, I think it's more just outside of the ice where you've just got to be smart about it."

Hakanpaa and the Leafs first agreed to a two-year, $3 million free agent deal on July 1st, but after the medical issues took center stage, the signing was postponed while both sides went back and forth until a one-year, $1.47M contract was finally signed in September. Coincidentally, Tuesday’s Liljegren trade actually saved the Leafs about $1.75 million in cap space. Clearing room for Hakanpaa to come off LTIR, might we suggest?

After landing nearly 200 hits and blocking 123 shots last season, if his knee holds up well, he will be a welcome addition to Craig Berube's blueline, and to the penalty kill.