Encouraging Sign for Maple Leafs at Practice as Team Prepares for Major Boost

With a key game against the Flames on Monday, the Toronto Maple Leafs are hoping they can weather the storm and put out any potential fire that Calgary brings, and while the lineup may be less than ideal at this point, as long as the team wins; that's what matters.

So at their practice on Monday, the team got a couple of big surprises from two injured players as it could be a sign of their potential return whether it be at the end of the regular season, or the playoffs.

While it was a positive sign to see both Pacioretty and Hakanpaa skating, both men aren't playing against Calgary, and we have no real definitive timeline for either of their returns.

The way that Hakanpaa was moving was encouraging but it was clear he was still trying to take things slow, which while trending in the right direction; is not conducive to any type of playoff success.

Pacioretty is more likely to come back before Hakanpaa, and could be a key factor in the Maple Leafs' playoff run come April and May.

He was injured in the middle of February, and was placed on the IR at the beginning of March and has dealt with two separate injuries which has kept him off the ice for half the season.

Hakanpaa on the other hand is a huge question mark, given that his season has been a complete disaster physically, and even he admitted that he may need to throw in the towel and call it a season.

Both men were signed to one-year deals in the offseason. Hakanpaa was initially signed to a two-year pact, but rightful concerns about his injury history led to that being adjusted.

Pacioretty signed on a PTO in the summer and impressed enough to earn a contract after two years of serious injuries.

Pacioretty has played 37 games this season, registering 12 points (5G, 7A) and was bringing a physical edge to the Maple Leafs while adding some good defense and veteran leadership on and off the ice.

Hakanpaa has only played twice this season, registering no points although he did block four shots.

He last played in November and has been on the shelf ever since; he was picked to represent Team Finland in the 4 Nations but couldn't get healthy enough to participate.

It's a great sign to see both players on the ice, however it's still a long ways away from their return; if they even end up coming back at all.