Two Key Maple Leafs Players Make Surprise Return To Practice, Sparking Optimism Among Fans
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The Toronto Maple Leafs were back to business on Tuesday, and their practice saw the return of two key players who have dealt with some pretty severe injuries.
With the 4 Nations coming to a close, NHL teams are already back to business focusing on the last few weeks of the regular season.
The Maple Leafs have already made one move, recalling Alex Steeves from the Toronto Marlies, and practice saw the return of two players who could be back on the ice soon enough.
In a very positive surprise, the Leafs saw both Calle Jarnkrok and Jani Hakanpaa skating during practice which is a huge sign toward their eventual return at a critical part of the season.
So how can both men help the Maple Leafs' playoff push? Let's take a look.
Calle Jarnkrok and Jani Hakanpaa Return Sparks Hope For Stanley Cup Playoffs
It's a huge relief that the Maple Leafs might see the return of both men soon, as they would no doubt fill in some key holes the team is dealing with.
Jarnkrok would help fill Toronto's need for a third line center and give them the defense and penalty killing needed, with some offensive potential as well (he is a former 20-goal scorer).
He would afford Pontus Holmberg a break, and given he hasn't done much except draw a ton of penalties; the team needs more from their third line pivot.
Craig Berube also seemed excited to have Jarnkrok back in the fold as well.
He hasn't played yet this season after undergoing sports hernia surgery, and had 10 goals and 11 assists in 52 games last year.
Another injury that has held Toronto back is that of Jani Hakanpaa and his lingering knee issues.
With the team struggling to find a solid defensive scheme beyond their Top-4, his return would make things a lot easier; especially if he's healthy.
Hakanpaa could either line up alongside Morgan Rielly and provide him the defense needed in case he gets caught, or he could slide into a third pairing role with Simon Benoit and help him gain some defensive knowledge from playing alongside Hakanpaa.
Signed by the Maple Leafs this offseason to add to their drastic defensive shift, he has been marred with injuries for all but two games this season.
In those two games, Hakanpaa has zero points but has registered four blocks, which is a positive sign that if he's healthy.
If Hakanpaa is able to play in a dozen or so games without incident, Toronto is set up very well going into the latter part of the season.
While it's uncertain exactly when both men are going to return, their appearance at practice is only good news for the Maple Leafs and their push for a deep Stanley Cup run.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 18 | 715 ANSWERS Two Key Maple Leafs Players Make Surprise Return To Practice, Sparking Optimism Among Fans Who will make a bigger difference for the Maple Leafs when they return from injury? | ||
| Jani Hakanpaa | 79 | 11 % |
| Calle Jarnkrok | 235 | 32.9 % |
| Both Will Contribute | 182 | 25.5 % |
| Neither Will Do Anything | 219 | 30.6 % |
| List of polls | ||