Jani Hakanpaa close to Maple Leafs debut, Connor Dewar could play on Tuesday

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The Maple Leafs are on the cusp of getting a look at defenceman Jani Hakanpaa.

Once the 6-foot-6, 207-pound Hakanpaa gets final medical clearance, the Leafs will activate him and have the option to put him in the lineup.

“Really close now,” Hakanpaa said after practising with the Leafs on Monday. “Hopefully soon we get it going.

“Throughout the whole process, it has been day by day, you do your best each day and see what the next day brings. It gets easier too because you know it’s close. It’s nice to be around the boys, so it’s all good.”

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Hakanpaa has not played in a National Hockey League game since March 16 with the Dallas Stars. It has been a long recovery from a knee injury for the 32-year-old Finland native and the Leafs took their time before signing him in September to a one-year contract.

In anticipation of taking Hakanpaa off long-term injured reserve, the Leafs on Monday placed defenceman Matt Benning on waivers.

How Leafs coach Craig Berube uses Hakanpaa remains to be seen. Toronto’s defence corps has been solid, though one of Simon Benoit or Conor Timmins will have to be scratched.

With captain Auston Matthews doubtful for Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators, forward Connor Dewar is expected to make his 2024-25 debut after he recovered from off-season shoulder surgery.

“He’s just a good player,” Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said. “No. 1, for him will be to get up to speed. He has missed some time, but played with the Marlies, getting those reps, bumping and grinding.

“He has flexibility, can play all three forward positions, can kill penalties, plays with a little sand in his game, so it will be good to get him back.”

tkoshan@postmedia.com

X: @kos