Underappreciated Maple Leafs Player Returns To Form, Leaving No Place For Jani Hakanpaa

The Maple Leafs had a goal this offseason to add a much better defensive grouping and a premier backup goaltender. They certainly accomplished that by signing Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Anthony Stolarz, and Jani Hakanpaa.

However in the case of Hakanpaa he's only played two games before landing on the IR, and coupled with the emergence of Simon Benoit to his previous season form; he's on the outside looking in.

After a rough start to the season where he looked out of sorts, Simon Benoit has started to turn things around and be the solid defenseman Toronto needs him to be.

A lot of the struggle that Benoit dealt with is being a new father, and while it isn't explicitly stated, it looks like Benoit could do with a break to gather himself. He was scratched and given some time to get his bearing back and since then has been fantastic, and fans have noticed too.

So far this season he's only got three assists however it's his advanced metrics that have begun to impress.

While also being a plus-7, he's picked things up in his last few games. He's holding opponents to less shots, he's blocking more, and looking more motivated in his own end; not looking a step or two behind.

This increased defensive production means that Hakanpaa really doesn't have a place as of now. He looked alright when he played however was clearly not at 100% and has found himself on the IR.

Signed this offseason to a 1-year deal, Hakanpaa was supposed to be part of Toronto's revamped defense however it seems like Benoit has taken his spot over. It's hard to imagine Hakanpaa sliding back in unless completely healthy and Toronto's stout blueline suddenly falters.

Toronto can only hope that Hakanpaa can get healthy again and contribute, even swapping out with Benoit on a game by game basis. Otherwise, the signing will be the one blemish on Brad Treliving's fantastic offseason.

In closing, Simon Benoit has come back with a vengeance this season and all he needed was a bit of rest. It seems like Hakanpaa needs it too, but it feels like once he's healthy, there's no spot left for him on the team.