Fans of <a href='https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>the Leafs</a> have been eagerly waiting to see Jani Hakanpaa finally return to game action and Brad Treliving has just provided a massive update. Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving gave an optimistic update regarding defenceman Jani Hakanpaa, indicating he believes the veteran will be back on the ice early this season. Hakanpaa, who inked with the Leafs in free agency this summer, remains working his way back from a knee injury that put him on <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/maple-leafs-worst-fears-realized-in-jani-hakanpaa-saga' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>long-term injured reserve</a> to start the season. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/leaftweets1/status/1843723138506400082'> </a></blockquote></div> The 32-year-old defenceman had signed a one-year contract with Toronto but had been out of commission due to <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/leafs-lose-jani-hakanpaa-mere-weeks-after-contract-agreement' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>a nagging knee issue</a>. Last season, Hakanpaa played 64 games for the Dallas Stars, notching two goals and 10 assists while averaging almost 19 minutes of ice time. In the season finale, Stars GM Jim Nill indicated that Hakanpaa had undergone a minor procedure on his knee but wasn't expected to need further surgery. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/nickbarden/status/1843703670946631726'> </a></blockquote></div> Reports from TSN's Darren Dreger on July 1 had Hakanpaa agreeing to a two-year, $3 million contract with the Leafs. It was finalized as a one-year, $1.47 million contract. Hakanpaa's addition was confirmed by Treliving along with other offseason work the general manager got done, though the signing came in a bit. The NHL journey for Hakanpaa <a href='https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/brad-treliving-expects-game-plan-for-toronto-maple-leafs-d-jani-hakanpaa-in-upcoming-weeks-1.2185921' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>has been a long road</a>. Originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues back in 2010, he didn't make his league debut until almost a decade later, suiting up for the Anaheim Ducks in the 2019-20 season. Since then, he's played for the Ducks, Hurricanes, and Stars, combining for 15 goals and 45 points in 288 career games. As Jani Hakanpaa works his way back onto the ice, the Leafs are hopeful his veteran presence and sound defensive game will make a difference this season, continuing the blueline fortifications.