JANI HAKANPAA NEWS

Maple Leafs' Jani Hakanpaa finds NHL return 'unreal' after knee woes Maple Leafs defenceman Jani Hakanpaa will be in the lineup for the second game in a row against Edmonton on Saturday.

5 DAYS AGO • TORONTOSUN.COM

Jani Hakanpaa activated off LTIR by Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of Capitals clash The cloud that enveloped Jani Hakanpaa’s playing status is finally lifting.

NOVEMBER 13 • TORONTOSUN.COM

Ready to play Wednesday Hakanpaa (knee) has been taken off long-term injured reserve and is expected to draw into the lineup Wednesday versus Washington, per James Mirtle of The Athletic.

Impact Hakanpaa hasn't played yet for the Maple Leafs after signing a one-year, $1.47 million contract with Toronto in September. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in the spring. Hakanpaa had two goals, 12 points, 33 PIM, 196 hits and 123 blocks in 64 regular-season outings with Dallas in 2023-24. The 32-year-old will likely serve on the third pairing in his Leafs debut.

NOVEMBER 13 • ROTOWIRE

Jani Hakanpaa | Practice | Toronto Maple Leafs Jani Hakanpaa | Practice

NOVEMBER 11 • NHL.COM

Practices with NHL club Hakanpaa (knee) rejoined the Maple Leafs for practice Monday, David Alter of The Hockey News reports.

Impact Hakanpaa spent over a week with AHL Toronto on a conditioning assignment, but his return to practice with the Maple Leafs signals that he's likely nearing a return to game action in the NHL. His next chance to suit up for the Maple Leafs will be at home against the Senators on Tuesday, but the team could monitor how he feels after Monday's practice session before determining his status.

NOVEMBER 11 • ROTOWIRE

Matt Benning focuses on impressing Maple Leafs while Jani Hakanpaa, Connor Dewar sent to Marlies Jani Hakanpaa and Connor Dewar are one step closer to making their respective debuts for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

NOVEMBER 2 • TORONTOSUN.COM

Maple Leafs send Jani Hakanpaa, Connor Dewar to Marlies on conditioning loans Jani Hakanpaa and Connor Dewar are one step closer to making their respective debuts for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

NOVEMBER 1 • TORONTOSUN.COM

Given conditioning assignment Hakanpaa (knee) will link up with AHL Toronto on a conditioning assignment, the Leafs announced Friday.

Impact According to Chris Johnston of The Athletic, Hakanpaa will be eligible to spend six days and play in up to three games with the minor league club, though the Marlies have just one contest on the schedule over that six-day period. After suiting up for AHL Toronto against Cleveland on Saturday, don't be surprised to see Hakanpaa recalled to the NHL roster.

NOVEMBER 1 • ROTOWIRE

Nearing return Head coach Craig Berube said Thursday that Hakanpaa (knee) is close to returning, Darren Dreger of TSN reports.

Impact Hakanpaa underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last spring and began the regular season on long-term injured reserve. While it's not yet clear exactly when he'll be able to return to action, he appears to be closing in on being cleared for game action. It wouldn't be surprising to see him sent to the AHL for a game or two to work on his conditioning before he suits up for the Maple Leafs.

OCTOBER 31 • ROTOWIRE

Put on LTIR Hakanpaa (knee) was placed on long-term injured reserve Monday.

Impact Hakanpaa underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in the spring but joined the Maple Leafs on a one-year deal in September. However, he'll have to wait to make his team debut while he continues his recovery process. The 32-year-old has recently practiced in a no-contact jersey, but it's not yet clear when Toronto expects him to return to game action.

OCTOBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

'A Long Time Coming': Maple Leafs' Jani Hakanpaa Breaks Silence on Return After a summer of uncertainty, Hakanpaa is close to hitting the ice for the Maple Leafs.

OCTOBER 4 • SACBEE.COM

Screen Shots: Hakanpaa's Value To Leafs, 3-On-3 Olympic Hockey And CCM's Sale Adam Proteau discusses Leafs D-man Jani Hakanpaa’s status, the chance of a 3-on-3 Olympic hockey tournament, and the sales of hockey equipme...

OCTOBER 2 • SACBEE.COM

Nearing return Hakanpaa (knee) could practise with the Leafs main group for the first time next week, reports Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun.

Impact Hakanpaa has been working his way back from arthroscopic surgery this past spring and has been wearing the red no-contact jersey while skating with the Marlies-bound third group. Hakanpaa played 64 games with Dallas in 2023-24, scoring two goals and 10 assists while averaging 18:39.

SEPTEMBER 28 • ROTOWIRE

Maple Leafs Facing Tough Decisions Dependent on Jani Hakanpaa's Health Jani Hakanpaa’s health will force the Maple Leafs to make tough decisions.

SEPTEMBER 24 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Maple Leafs' Coach Issues Mildly Positive Update on Jani Hakanpaa Maple Leafs’ Craig Berube is mildly optimistic about Jani Hakanpaa’s return.

SEPTEMBER 22 • THENEWSTRIBUNE.COM

Maple Leafs' Jani Hakanpaa Breaks Silence On Career-Threatening Injury Jani Hakanpaa opens up about his knee injury and what he brings to the Maple Leafs.

SEPTEMBER 17 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Maple Leafs sign D Jani Hakanpaa to 1-year deal The Toronto Maple Leafs signed defenseman Jani Hakanpaa to a one-year deal worth $1.47 million on Wednesday.Hakanpaa, 32, recorded 12 points...

SEPTEMBER 11 • SACBEE.COM

Inks one-year deal Hakanpaa (knee) signed a one-year, $1.47 million contract with Toronto on Wednesday.

Impact Hakanpaa has reportedly secured a two-year deal back in July but that contract with never officially announced by the team, leading to speculation regarding the severity of his knee issue. It seems the two sides were finally able to come to an agreement on a one-year deal instead. The blue line in Toronto is pretty packed, from veteran Oliver Ekman-Larson to youngster Conor Timmins. As such, Hakanpaa is far from a lock to suit up for Opening Night against Montreal on Oct. 9.

SEPTEMBER 11 • ROTOWIRE

Maple Leafs' Jani Hakanpaa Gets First Major Preseason Update Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa could be available to play much sooner than expected.

SEPTEMBER 6 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Reportedly still unsigned Hakanpaa (knee) remains unsigned according to reports, with Leafs general manager Brad Treliving telling reporters Wednesday, "We're working through it," per Lance Hornby of The To...

Impact Multiple reports indicated Toronto signed Hakanpaa to a two-year, $3 million contract back in July, but the organization never officially announced the move and the blueliner isn't listed on the official roster per the NHL media site. Speculation has been circling that the lack of an official deal is tied to the FInn's knee injury, though the Maple Leafs have yet to comment anything beyond Treliving's brief statement Wednesday.

AUGUST 15 • ROTOWIRE

Maple Leafs 'working through' decision on defenceman Hakanpaa Speculation started on July 1 that the Maple Leafs were going to sign defenceman Jani Hakanpaa, but there has been no announcement.

AUGUST 14 • TORONTOSUN.COM

Gets two-year contract Hakanpaa (knee) signed a two-year, $3 million contract with the Maple Leafs on Monday, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

Impact Hakanpaa had two goals, 12 points, 196 hits and 123 blocks in 64 regular-season outings with the Stars in 2023-24. He didn't play past March 16 due to his knee injury, which required an arthroscopic procedure. Provided Hakanpaa is healthy, he'll probably serve on Toronto's third pairing.

JULY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Recovering from knee injury Hakanpaa's lower-body injury is a knee issue that required an arthroscopic procedure, Mike Heika of the Stars' official site reports Friday.

Impact Hakanpaa didn't play past March 16 because of the injury. He had two goals, 12 points, 33 PIM, 196 hits and 123 blocks in 64 regular-season outings in 2023-24. Although there isn't a specific timetable for Hakanpaa's recovery, he's not expected to need further knee procedures.

JUNE 21 • ROTOWIRE

Unlikely for Game 5 Hakanpaa (lower body) is not expected to play in Friday's Game 5 versus the Oilers, Mike Heika of the Stars' official site reports.

Impact Hakanpaa will miss his 31st straight game, though his absence is a bit more noticeable now with Chris Tanev (lower body) questionable for Game 5. Hakanpaa has been considered day-to-day throughout his absence, though he has not regularly skated during the playoffs.

MAY 30 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Wednesday Hakanpaa (lower body) isn't expected to play in Game 4 against Edmonton on Wednesday, per Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

Impact Hakanpaa hasn't been in the lineup since March 16, and it's unclear when he might be able to return. He had two goals, 12 points, 196 hits and 123 blocks in 64 appearances during the regular season.

MAY 29 • ROTOWIRE