NHL Analyst Delivers Brutal Truth Bomb Concerning Defenseman Jani Hakanpaa
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Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa has been making some appearances at practice but analysts like Mike Johnson aren't buying it.
Jani Hakanpaa was a huge risk for the Toronto Maple Leafs when they signed him over the summer, so much so that some thought his contract would be revoked.
His nagging knee issue had many believing his career could be over, but the Leafs decided to keep the faith and it led them down a very interesting path.
So far, Hakanpaa has played two games this season, only to get injured again. Since that time, he has been on and off the ice showing little signs of a comeback.
Mike Johnson skeptical about Jani Hakanpaa
Earlier this week, the defenseman was on the ice at practice and this led to a new wave of skepticism in regards to the defenseman.
While some believe he could play in the postseason, analysts like Mike Johnson are telling the Leafs to stay away.
On TSN 1050 Overdrive, Johnson made that opinion crystal clear.
Oh boy - I want him to be good, but are we expecting a guy who is a big, heavy, not sleek-footed players on a bum knee who hasn't played in a year to step in and play over who?
Guys who played all year? This is the thing - I mean, he can be a good player and he has been in his career.
Guys who played all year? This is the thing - I mean, he can be a good player and he has been in his career.
Johnson also made the point that Hakanpaa would not be able to keep up with the best players in the league, which is hard to argue with right now.
Hakanpaa....in the high pressure situation, you get on the road and you're like, 'Okay, you're up against (Nikita Kucherov)'.
Excuse me?....if he gets in, things are not going well. Or there are injuries. Philippe Myers and (Simon) Benoit would be significantly ahead of him on the depth chart.
Excuse me?....if he gets in, things are not going well. Or there are injuries. Philippe Myers and (Simon) Benoit would be significantly ahead of him on the depth chart.
Overall, the Maple Leafs need to be smart with their roster decisions, especially with the NHL playoffs on the horizon.
If they want to get over the hump, they need to have the best guys on the ice and Jani Hakanpaa isn't that right now.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 3 | 201 ANSWERS NHL Analyst Delivers Brutal Truth Bomb Concerning Defenseman Jani Hakanpaa Do you believe Jani Hakanpaa will be in the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup during the playoffs? | ||
| YES | 76 | 37.8 % |
| NO | 125 | 62.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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