Recovering Hakanpää Attends First Leafs Practice, Taking It Day by Day 

Summary:

• Defenceman Jani Hakanpää attended his first practice with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday,
• While still recovering from a knee injury, the player made a big impression on the ice.
• It is uncertain when he will play again. 

Jani Hakanpää attended his first practice with NHL‘s Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in his recovery. 

Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 222 pounds, the 32-year-old defenceman made his presence known on the ice. 

“He’s Really Big” 

His teammates were quick to comment on his imposing figure. “He’s really big“, said star center Auston Matthews. 

Winger Mitch Marner echoed the sentiment, saying

With the skates on too, it’s a different animal. Great stick, great length on him, could skate very well, so he looked good out there today.

Hakanpää is recovering from a knee injury, and while his return date remains uncertain, head coach Craig Berube is cautiously optimistic.

We have to wait and see. He’s got to be comfortable with getting in there and playing a game.

Commenting on the training, the Kirkkonummi, Finland-born said

It was nice. It’s been a long time coming for sure. I’ve been doing a lot of work to get here so it was a lot of fun to actually be with the guys out there, get to know them a little more.

Having last played on March 16, Hakanpää is taking his recovery one step at a time. “We’re just going day by day right now“, the veteran hockey player explained, adding they were trying to do everything they could so his comeback would be “hopefully sooner than later“.

The Leafs are wrapping up their pre-season with games against the Detroit Red Wings before their regular-season opener next Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens.

Hakanpää, who had been skating in a no-contact red sweater at training camp, wore a regular white jersey during Wednesday’s session.

“This was kind of like the first test to see where we’re at“, he further explained, adding they will evaluate his state on Thursday morning and make any necessary adjustments. 

On July 1, TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston reported that Hakanpää had agreed to a two-year deal with the Leafs. 

However, the official contract, announced in September, ended up being a one-year deal, raising questions about his health. 

Strong Defensive Play

Despite the uncertainty, the Leafs believe Jani Hakanpää can be a valuable addition to their blueline, especially with his strong defensive play and ability to kill penalties. 

Toronto finished 23rd in penalty killing last season, while Hakanpää was instrumental in helping the Dallas Stars rank eighth.

Marner further commented

He knows how to use his body. Knows how to get in shot lanes, knows how to get in passing lanes. Obviously, with the reach he has with that stick, he can really break up a lot of plays.

Beyond the ice, the Leafs recently spent time bonding in cottage country, which reminded Hakanpää of his native Finland. “This is like home. It’s so good for the body and the mind“, he said.

The team practiced in front of a lively crowd of 800 children at the brand-new Muskoka Lumber Community Centre. 

Will the ‘Big’ Man make a significant impact at the Leafs this season? Get the latest odds from our selected Canadian sportsbooks.