Surprise Maple Leafs Player Appears at Optional Skate, Hinting at Imminent Return

The Toronto Maple Leafs have already gotten reinforcements for the Stanley Cup playoffs with the returns of Jake McCabe & Oliver Ekman-Larsson on defense, both of whom will be in the Leafs lineup for game one against the Ottawa Senators.

Toronto will be going with their top defensive pairings to take on Ottawa, playing McCabe for the first time since April 2nd and Ekman-Larsson since the 9th.

In the playoffs, Toronto is not limited by cap space restrictions, and can add to their roster, something that potentially could come to fruition with yet another defenseman appearing to be working as the team's playoff run begins.

The Toronto Maple Leafs may have one more further addition to the lineup potentially coming in as defenseman Jani Hakanpaa has resumed skating for the club.

Hakanpaa participated in the Leafs optional skate, although he had not participated in the team's main skate.

The 33-year-old Hakanpaa has played in just two games for Toronto this season, having been pointless.

Hakanpaa has been out since November due to ongoing knee issues that have plagued him for a while.

Although Hakanpaa won't play in the Leafs first game, he appears to be working on an eventual appearance for Toronto in the playoffs, if he can break into what is now a deep defensive roster.

Along with McCabe & Ekman-Larsson back, Toronto now has Brandon Carlo, as well as a rejuvenated Morgan Rielly, who has bounced back from early season struggles.

For depth, Toronto also has Philippe Myers & Dakota Mermis as options.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have the benefit of potentially having Jani Hakanpaa back in the lineup after a lengthy absence that has made it look as if a return this season is unlikely.

Now, the Leafs may get a potential major reinforcement late that is just another impact player that could be inserted in the team's lineup.