Jani Hakanpää was born on March 31, 1992, in Kirkkonummi, Finland. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 220 pounds, Hakanpää began his professional hockey journey in Finland's top league, Liiga, where he honed his skills with the Espoo Blues. His impressive defensive play caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the St. Louis Blues in the fourth round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
Hakanpää is known for his imposing physical presence and defensive acumen. As a right-shot defenseman, he's adept at using his size and reach to disrupt opponents' plays and protect his net. His shot-blocking ability and penalty-killing prowess make him a valuable asset in defensive situations. While not primarily an offensive threat, his physical play and reliability on the blue line are key components of his game.
Hakanpää made his NHL debut with the Anaheim Ducks in the 2019-2020 season, quickly establishing himself as a reliable defensive option. His transition to the NHL was marked by his first career goal against the Colorado Avalanche, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively when needed. In 2021, he was traded to the Dallas Stars, where he continued to be a mainstay on the defensive unit, further solidifying his reputation as a dependable NHL defenseman.
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