Ex-Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa signs new professional contract

Jani Hakanpaa signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season under some dubious circumstances, as it seemed like he wouldn't even be able to play.

The defenseman left the Dallas Stars with a pretty brutal knee injury, and there were all sorts of warning signs that he wasn't ready to play.

When the season started, Hakanpaa's lack of fitness became apparent to everyone, as he ended up only playing two games during the entire season.

It was an awful set of circumstances for the Maple Leafs, and fans found themselves feeling sorry for the defenseman. The Leafs knew he could be good, and that was what was painful about the injury.

The Leafs declined to re-sign Hakanpaa, and since that time, the defenseman has been trying to get healthy and find his place in the hockey world.

This week, the defenseman got some incredible news as it was revealed that he had signed with his old Finnish team, Karpat.

The 33-year-old defenseman has quite a bit of history with this club, and clearly felt like it was the best place for him to resume his hockey career.

At this point, it is very unlikely that we get to see him play in the NHL ever again. However, it is nice that he at leastgets to be back on the ice.

Hakanpaa was a what-could-have-been story for the Maple Leafs, and it is a shame that it never worked out between both sides.

Only time will tell whether or not Hakanpaa can stay healthy and have a long and prosperous career overseas.

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