Toronto Sun reporter Steve Simmons has made a bold claim that newly signed Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa might never play another NHL game due to a serious knee injury.

The Maple Leafs recently inked Hakanpaa to a two-year deal worth $1.5 million per season, despite his knee issues that sidelined him since March 16 of last season. Simmons reports that many around the NHL believe the 6-foot-7 defenseman’s knee injury is severe enough to end his career, though the Maple Leafs disagree.

In his July 1 article, Simmons wrote, “Hakanpaa, who joined the Leafs on Canada Day, was once a key piece on defense. Standing tall at 6-foot-7, he was popular in the locker room and an exceptional penalty-killer. However, his knee condition is so dire that some think he may never play again, despite Toronto’s optimism.”

Simmons elaborated, saying, “It’s said to be bone-on-bone with not much knee left. Two years ago, Hakanpaa was logging 18 minutes per game for the Stars. His last NHL game might have been in March. If he returns, it will surprise many familiar with his recent seasons.”

Despite these concerns, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving is confident in Hakanpaa’s ability to contribute as a penalty killer and defensive presence. Treliving stated, “With Jani Hakanpaa, we needed to improve our penalty kill, and that’s his strength. He showed that in Dallas, particularly last season.”

Hakanpaa, drafted 104th overall in 2010 by the St. Louis Blues, has played 288 NHL games, recording 15 goals and 30 assists. Last season with the Dallas Stars, he tallied 2 goals and 10 assists in 64 games.

Treliving also mentioned that the abundance of defensemen under contract provides flexibility for the team, although they are currently over the salary cap by nearly $800,000, according to CapFriendly.

The Maple Leafs, with 23 players under contract, may need to make additional moves to manage their roster and cap situation as they prepare for the upcoming season.