Sun Feb 02 01:20:00 IST 2025: **Maple Leafs’ Hakanpää Ruled Out of 4 Nations Face-Off Due to Injury**
Toronto, ON – Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpää will miss the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off due to persistent injuries, according to NHL insider Chris Johnston. The 32-year-old, who has played only two regular season games for the Leafs this year, was already a long shot to participate, leaving Finland scrambling to replace him.
This absence adds to Finland’s defensive woes, as Miro Heiskanen is also unavailable. The team is now actively seeking two replacements. Henri Jokiharju of the Buffalo Sabres is considered a likely candidate, while Urho Vakaanainen (New York Rangers) and Ville Heinola (Winnipeg Jets) are competing for the second spot.
Hakanpää, a fourth-round pick of the St. Louis Blues in 2010, established himself as a reliable, physical defenseman during his tenure with the Dallas Stars. His absence will be a significant blow to Finland’s hopes at the tournament.
First Piper 