Former Maple Leafs defenseman signs a new deal outside the NHL
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
A former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman takes his game to Europe following a season in Toronto that was sidetracked by a serious injury.
Defenseman Jani Hakanpaa has agreed to a deal in the Finnish top flight with Liiga club Kärpät Oulu, the team has announced on social media.
Hakanpaa, 33, spent four seasons with Kärpat from 2015-19 before moving to the NHL, signing a one-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks in 2019.
The Finn was drafted in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the St. Louis Blues, 104th overall, but never played for St. Louis, playing in the AHL before a move back to his native Finland before his re-emergence.
Spending six seasons in the NHL split with the Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, & Dallas Stars, Hakanpaa signed a two-year contract in 2024 with Toronto, although dealt with a delay in signing.
Hakanpaa, who had dealt with injury issues around his leg, was limited to just two games for the Leafs as he underwent surgery to repair the knee, missing the rest of the 2024-25 season.
Jani Hakanpaa makes return to pro hockey following knee injury
Jani Hakanpaa returns to his native country following a major injury that placed doubt on whether the defenseman would be able to play hockey again.
Kärpät has a current Leaf prospect in former second rounder Roni Hirvonen, with the 24-year-old having a strong season back home in Finland with 10 goals and 32 points in 35 games this season.
The Oulu-based club sits second last in points in Liiga with 45, having a 15-20-0-4 record so far this season in 39 games played.
In a statement, Hakanpaa said he was happy to be joining the club and returning to regular play.
I'm grateful to be part of this community again. Let's rock it out - let's go all out, with great emotion, and good things will happen!
Sports director Kimmo Kapanen said that Hakanpaa had been training with the club, and should be able to insert into the lineup easily, likely to play as soon as next week.
Jani brings us a lot of experience and leadership. He is a physical, reliable defender who can support the younger players.
It will be quite easy for Jani to adapt to the team's everyday life, as he has been training with us throughout the season.
It will be quite easy for Jani to adapt to the team's everyday life, as he has been training with us throughout the season.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Auston Matthews points to a growing locker-room bond fueled by unexpected leaders
Auston Matthews points to a growing locker-room bond fueled by unexpected leaders