Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa takes one step forward and two steps back
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa has been out of the lineup for over a month now and the latest update from Craig Berube does not inspire confidence.
Jani Hakanpaa came into the season as someone that the Toronto Maple Leafs knew would be hampered by injuries.
However, they signed him anyway, and so far, they have gotten exactly what they bargained for, with the defenseman missing every single game but two.
Jani Hakanpaa and the Toronto Maple Leafs have not been a good match
We are heading into the New Year and Hakanpaa hasn't been taken off of the injured reserve since November 16th.
However, there was some good news this morning as Hakanpaa was seen on the ice this morning while wearing a grey extras jersey.
However, despite the step forward, it was quickly revealed by head coach Craig Berube that this wasn't anything to get excited about.
He noted that Hakanpaa is very far away from getting back onto the ice, and that this was just a small part of his rehab.
This is yet another disappointing update for a defenseman that the Leafs probably should have never signed, to begin with.
However, it does feel like the Leafs are stuck with Hakanpaa for the season, as no team in their right mind would trade for a guy who is perpetually injured.
Overall, this is just one of those risks that general manager Brad Treliving just has to eat and admit he messed up on.
At least Hakanpaa's salary is low enough where the signing doesn't affect the team's bottom line too much.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 28 | 184 ANSWERS Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa takes one step forward and two steps back Should the Toronto Maple Leafs just get rid of Jani Hakanpaa? | ||
| YES | 139 | 75.5 % |
| NO | 45 | 24.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
