Last Updated on September 27, 2024 by YGK News Staff
Respected throughout the NHL as something of a defensive powerhouse, the signing of Jani Hakanpaa was considered to be proof that the Toronto Maple Leafs were serious about bringing the Stanley Cup back to Ontario.
There was one lingering concern: the fitness of the flying Finn, who has been battling what has been described as a ‘career threatening’ knee injury.
But there’s good news: the player himself, as well as the medical team in Toronto, are optimistic that Hakanpaa will enjoy plenty of time on the ice during the upcoming 2024-25 campaign.
And that can only be a good thing for the Maple Leafs and new head coach Craig Berube, who will have targeted defense as a key area of improvement for his side.
Local Pride
It’s true that sports fans are typically biased in favor of their local teams.
So hockey lovers in Ontario will no doubt be pinning their hopes on the Maple Leafs for success during the 2024-25 season – particularly as the Ottawa Senators continue to find life tough in the NHL.
One way this local patriotism is manifested is in the betting markets, with the Maple Leafs a popular bet in Ontario to win the Stanley Cup in 2025 – despite the fact that they haven’t done so in the best part of 60 years.
The same accusation cannot be levelled at supporters of the Edmonton Oilers. They lead the way in the Alberta sports betting for the Stanley Cup at odds of +800, but that’s a confidence born out of logic – they reached the finals in 2024, and boast the prolific talents of Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchard and co.
The mood in Toronto is one of mild optimism, rather than wild expectation. Berube, lest we forget, is a former Stanley Cup winning coach with the Blues, so he knows what it takes to get things done.
And the Maple Leafs’ transfer activity in the summer hints at Berube’s fondness for rock-solid, shutout style defensive play…
A Case for the Defense
One of the most eye-catching summer moves was that of Chris Tanev to Toronto.
The 34-year-old comes with a reputation as an outstanding defender – while not overly physical, Tanev reads the game superbly well and has that ‘right place, right time’ quality to his defending.
He will presumably become a central figure in Berube’s defensive line from the off, and it will be fascinating to see if he and Hakanpaa can mesh together as a stout pairing in defense.
If, and it’s an ‘if’ with some reservations given the nature of that knee injury, Hakanpaa can get fit and remain healthy for the entirety of the 2024-25 campaign, his signing could yet prove to be a masterstroke on a par with Tanev’s.
At 6ft 7in, the Finn brings formidable stature along with his defensive nous, and if his body can stand up to the rigours of slamming into opposition skaters, he will provide a huge frame with which to block shots too.
There’s plenty of improvements to be made by Berube and his Maple Leafs roster, but the introduction of one, maybe two high-class defensive players will surely help Toronto in their quest to end their lengthy Stanley Cup hoodoo.
