Jani Hakanpaa Takes Huge Step For Maple Leafs

Towering defenseman Jani Hakanpaa has made a huge stride forward in his hopes of joining the Toronto Maple Leafs defence. Coming back from a knee injury that caused all kinds of consternation around Leafs Nation this summer, Hakanpaa was actually able to shed the red no-contact jersey and join the main group for full practice on Wednesday for the first time.

Hakanpaa, asked if he's cleared for skating since he didn't have a red sweater out there today:

"I think so. I think this was kind of like the first test to kind of see where we're at and how everything's going to go. We'll see where we are tomorrow morning and then we'll go…
— David Alter (@dalter) October 2, 2024

"I think this was kind of like the first test to kind of see where we're at and how everything's going to go," said Hakanpaa. "We'll see where we are tomorrow morning and then we'll go from there again." It's another massive step for the 6'7" D-man.

His head coach, however, Craig Berube, still isn't sure when he'll be able to pencil the big Finn into the lineup.

Berube on when Hakanpaa will be ready for game action. "Yeah, that's a tough one. I can't really answer that question right now. We have to wait and see. We got a little bit of time yet and see where he gets to and where he's at, he's got to be comfortable with getting in there…
— David Alter (@dalter) October 2, 2024

"Yeah, that's a tough one," said Berube. "I can't really answer that question right now. We have to wait and see. We got a little bit of time yet and see where he gets to and where he's at, he's got to be comfortable with getting in there and playing a game.

"I talk to him daily about his situation and how he's feeling and where he's at. He's getting better. I think it's close."

A healthy Hakanpaa, goes the speculation among Leafs observers, could spell the end of Timothy Liljegren's role in one of the team's three defense pairings.

GM Brad Treliving had previously stated that the big blueliner would likely start the season on LTIR, which, if that's still the plan, would keep him out until their November 2nd contest against the St. Louis Blues, giving him plenty more time to get up to speed.

Last season with the Dallas Stars, Hakanpaa averaged 18:39 of ice time in 64 games, while delivering 196 hits and blocking 123 shots. Those attributes, along with his massive size, would be very welcome on the Leafs' backline.