Jani Hakanpaa Comes Out Of Hiding, Joins Maple Leafs Teammates At Practice
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa has been injured for the vast majority of the season, but today, he shocked fans by participating in practice.
When the Toronto Maple Leafs signed Jani Hakanpaa in the summer, there were fears that he may not even suit up for the team given all of his knee injuries.
While the defenseman eventually played a couple of games for the Leafs, he re-aggravated his injury and has been on the injured reserve ever since.
Jani Hakanpaa is finally back with the Toronto Maple Leafs
Hakanpaa has been absent from Leafs practices, and it has led to speculation that he may not even play this season.
However, the defenseman put some fans in a state of shock this morning as it was reported that he was present at the team's practice on Monday.
Reporter David Alter revealed that Hakanpaa was participating in his first practice since being placed on the injured reserve in November.
At this time, it is unclear just how involved he was with the practice. That said, he was on the ice surrounded by teammates which is a very good sign.
Interestingly enough, Hakanpaa is supposed to be on Team Finland for the Four Nations Face-Off.
It is unclear whether or not he will be good to go in time for the tournament, although we're sure the Leafs would much rather he just stay home entirely.
After all, the Four Nations Face-Off is much less important than the Leafs season, which is currently headed for a first place battle in the Atlantic Division.
Hopefully, Hakanpaa's condition continues to improve and we get to see him back in a game this season.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 13 | 418 ANSWERS Jani Hakanpaa Comes Out Of Hiding, Joins Maple Leafs Teammates At Practice Do you believe Jani Hakanpaa will play another game for the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 254 | 60.8 % |
| NO | 164 | 39.2 % |
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