Jani Hakanpaa Stats & Bio | Maple Leafs Defenseman

About Jani Hakanpaa

Jani Hakanpaa is a towering defensive presence on the blue line for the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he wears #28. The 6'5", 218-pound defenseman brings impressive size and physical play to the Leafs' defensive corps. Born on March 31, 1992, in Kirkkonummi, Finland, Hakanpaa developed his skills in the Finnish hockey system before making his way to North America. Unlike many NHL players, he didn't take the college route, instead honing his craft in professional European leagues. Hakanpaa's playing style is characterized by his imposing physical presence, strong defensive positioning, and ability to clear opponents from the crease area. The Finnish defenseman exemplifies the modern NHL blueliner who combines size with mobility, making him particularly valuable on the penalty kill and in shutdown situations against opposing top lines.

Updated: Aug 13, 2025