Chris Johnston finally reveals the full details of the Jani Hakanpaa situation
Photo credit: Daily Hive
On his podcast, NHL insider Chris Johnston shared crucial updates on Jani Hakanpaa's health as the 2024-25 NHL season approaches.
The Toronto Maple Leafs' general manager, Brad Treliving, signed several defensemen this summer, including Jani Hakanpaa. The 32-year-old veteran agreed to a two-year, $3M contract. However, concerns have surfaced regarding Hakanpaa's health.
Hakanpaa is currently dealing with a knee injury that could potentially end his career.
Johnston revealed that while Hakanpaa believes he can play through the injury, there are serious concerns about the long-term impact:
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''He believes he can play on his knee. But I don't know that there's unanimity in that opinion from those that are looking at his medical file and just concerns that, essentially, he's got bone-on-bone. It's not a situation that could be terribly comfortable.''
Despite the risks, Hakanpaa is determined to return to the ice and fulfill his commitments with the Maple Leafs:
''I think it really comes down to the medical opinion, how much risk the organization is willing to take. But Hakanpaa certainly seems intent on continuing his career, feels that maybe he needs some time off but will be able to play, ultimately, on that knee.''
"What's interesting about medical-related issues is some players do manage to play through certain things that others can't. I mean, everyone's bodies are different, pain tolerance, what have you. I guess the X-rays themselves are black and white, but sometimes the information isn't black and white."'
For the full podcast episode, you can check out the video here:
Source: The Hockey NewsInsider provides some clarity on situation between Jani Hakanpaa and the Maple Leafs
Source for Jani Hakanpaa's statistics:PuckPedia
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POLL |
17 AOUT | 45 ANSWERS Chris Johnston finally reveals the full details of the Jani Hakanpaa situation Do you think Jani Hakanpaa will play over 40 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2024-25 season? |
Yes | 14 | 31.1 % |
No | 31 | 68.9 % |
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