Injured Player Makes Unexpected Return to Maple Leafs Practice

Signed in the offseason as part of Brad Treliving's new strategy of adding big-bodied veteran defenders, Jani Hakanpaa has not been the signing Toronto had envisioned. Only playing two games, he found himself with another extended time away after his knee gave him some more issues.

But in a positive bit of news for the defenseman, Hakanpaa was seen skating on his own during the Maple Leafs optional skate on Saturday, a sign he's slowly trying to get back into game shape per The Hockey News' Nick Barden on X.

It's hard to imagine how a 6'6, 225 pound defenseman as anything but a positive, but for the Maple Leafs it's been a tough road when it comes to Hakanpaa. Originally signed to a two-year deal, questions over his health lowered his value and he signed a one-year deal in order to show he still has the chops.

He struggled to return to the ice though and wasn't ready until November. He played decently in his time but didn't last long as he ended up re-agitating his knee and has been out ever since.

If he were to get healthy though, he's going to be a force for Toronto's defense. He loves to block shots, throw hits and use his lanky frame to disrupt opponents.

One of the league's best defenseman analytically over the past two seasons, the Leafs need him to get healthy because it'll help solve a lot of issues.

Morgan Rielly hasn't been great, and the constant shuffling of defensive pairings doesn't help. Hakanpaa could be used on any pairing and given Rielly needs a solid shutdown defender alongside him; it's a great duo if it works out.

The longer that Hakanpaa sits out, the more of a wasted deal his contract looks. The main focus is to get him healthy because he can be a game changer when it comes to the blueline.

It's great to see him back on the ice in any capacity, but the real test is when or if he'll be ready for NHL games once again.