Jani Hakanpaa Replaces Star Defenseman at Practice, Sparking Unforesee Injury Concerns
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa has played two games all season, however, ahead of Game 5 against the Florida Panthers, he got a big look.
Jani Hakanpaa was a huge risk when the Toronto Maple Leafs signed him all the way back in July of 2024. He had a knee injury and it seemed like he wouldn't be able to play this season.
That turned out to be the case as Hakanpaa only played two games during the regular season. Although he frequently joins the Leafs for practices, he is simply not in game shape.
This has been a source of great anguish for the defenseman, and he has stated numerous times that he wishes things were different.
Jani Hakanpaa in for Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Today, Hakanpaa was actually part of the team's defensive pairings, taking the right side of the third pairing alongside Simon Benoit.
Why? Because Oliver Ekman-Larsson was sick and needed to be replaced. However, head coach Craig Berube believes OEL will be back for Game 5.
While Hakanpaa won't be in the lineup, this at least shows the Toronto Maple Leafs are thinking about him.
As for the lines at today's practice, Craig Berube isn't making any big changes. Instead, he is going with the same lines he has used all playoffs.
Knies-Matthews-Marner
Pacioretty-Tavares-Nylander
McMann-Domi-Holmberg
Lorentz-Laughton-Jarnkrok
-
Robertson-Kampf-Reaves
Rielly-Carlo
McCabe-Tanev
Benoit-Hakanpaa
-
Mermis-Myers
Absent: OEL
Woll
Murray
Pacioretty-Tavares-Nylander
McMann-Domi-Holmberg
Lorentz-Laughton-Jarnkrok
-
Robertson-Kampf-Reaves
Rielly-Carlo
McCabe-Tanev
Benoit-Hakanpaa
-
Mermis-Myers
Absent: OEL
Woll
Murray
Game 5 goes down on Wednesday in Toronto and the Leafs are going to need to bring their best game, otherwise, they will go down in the series.
The Florida Panthers have the deep run experience, and that will be difficult to counter unless the Leafs can get their offense clicking.
| POLL | ||
MAI 13 | 251 ANSWERS Jani Hakanpaa Replaces Star Defenseman at Practice, Sparking Unforesee Injury Concerns Do you believe Jani Hakanpaa will stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs beyond this season? | ||
| YES | 56 | 22.3 % |
| NO | 195 | 77.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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