Ducks Sign Finnish Defenseman Jani Hakanpää

Per reports out of Finland from Hämeen Sanomat, the Anaheim Ducks have signed Finnish defenseman Jani Hakanpää to a one year, one way deal. Hakanpää is a 27 year old, right shot dman who was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2010 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues.

Scouting reports on the 6’ 5” Hakanpää, say that he is physically imposing, who can be a difficult to play against due to his reach and physicality. Per reports, his skating and feel for the offensive side of the game have much improved since being originally drafted and he was the top dman for Karpat out of the Finnish Elite League.

The Ducks have had a “need” for a right shot dman since trading away Sami Vatenen and Brandon Montour. Hakanpää will have a chance to come in and compete for a bottom pair role depending on how the D pairs shape up coming into next season.

He finished (or Finnish-ed) this last season with 11 goals and 12 assists along with 94 PIMs and a +29 in 52 games. He also chipped in 1 goal and 2 assist through 13 playoff games.

While does not carry the hype of fellow Finnish dman Oliwer Kaski, sounds like Hakanpää will be a solid albeit unspectacular signing for the Ducks.

For more information, see Elite Prospects.