Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Jani Hakanpaa spoke to reporters for the first time after finalizing a one-year contract worth $1.47 million for the upcoming season.
“It feels good, it feels great. It’s one of the clubs with great history. I’m really excited to be part of it. That’s so great and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been lucky enough to spend a few days here with the guys, it seems like a really group of guys,” Hakanpaa said at the RattleSnake Point Golf Club in Milton, Ontario ahead of the Leafs & Legends Charity Golf Classic, presented by Scotiabank.
Hakanpaa was previously reported to have reached an agreement in July, but the deal was finalized on September 11. The towering defenceman is still recovering from a knee injury but is looking forward for the upcoming season with the Maple Leafs.
“It was a good back-and-forward with the team, they visited me, I came here. We’re all on the same page and it’s great that we got it done now. We’re all looking forward to getting to the real work and playing.”
Hakanpaa indicated he’ll speak to the training staff Tuesday and is getting closer to getting back on the ice after recovering from the injury, noting that it’s a ‘little knee issue that we’ll have to manage’ over the course of the season.
“You’re itching. You’re itching at this time,” Hakanpaa said. “We put a lot of work into all of that so we’re getting close but now just put the finishing touches on it and get back out there.”
Hakanpaa won’t be alone this season, as he’ll be joined by former Dallas Stars defenceman Chris Tanev. Tanev was traded to the Maple Leafs, then signed a six-year deal worth $27 million on July 1 and vouched for the physical Hakanpaa.
