Leafs Receive Two Major Boosts at Practice Ahead of Playoffs

The Maple Leafs took the ice on Tuesday for practice as they look to gear up for a very important divisional tilt between themselves and the Florida Panthers as Toronto tries to extend their lead and become Atlantic Division Champions in 2024-25.

They also need as much firepower as possible, so with that being said it must have been a huge relief as we saw the return of two injured players and it looks like they're gearing up for a potential roster spot come postseason time.

Both Max Pacioretty and Jani Hakanpaa were seen skating in a very positive sign towards their return, however there's clearly no definitive timeline for either man.

It would certainly help the Maple Leafs to add both or either man to their team come playoff time, as either the experience of Pacioretty or the added defensive awareness (though at a cost of speed) that Hakanpaa brings; it could be a critical X-Factor.

This season, Pacioretty has 13 points in 37 games (5G, 8A) while adding 105 hits and bringing a new edge and another veteran presence to the team.

Hakanpaa on the other hand has only appeared twice due to his lingering knee issues, with zero points and four blocks.

The addition of either man would certainly help the Maple Leafs in their journey towards the Stanley Cup, though it might be a bit harder to justify bringing on Hakanpaa if he doesn't get a few games in first.

Pacioretty is more than likely closer to a return than Hakanpaa, and he would be great on the third line alongside Max Domi and Scott Laughton, providing some extra grit and size while still bringing the offensive punch at times.

If Hakanpaa is healthy to go, then he should get a look over Simon Benoit, at least for a couple games.

While Benoit played arguably his best game this year the other night, there's also some serious concerns about his defensive awareness, and Hakanpaa can at least help in that regard.

Toronto needs as much help as possible as they head into the playoffs, and the return of both veterans would no doubt bring some much needed edge and defense to a team needing to lock it down.

But the questions still both remain: When are they coming back? Or are they coming back at all?