Craig Berube on whether Jani Hakanpaa could be an option for the Leafs in the playoffs: "Well, that is still the question... Hopefully, he can get to the point where he's capable of helping us if we need him"

Head coach Craig Berube provided updates on player health and team strategy after a practice. Jake McCabe and David Kampf will miss the next two games but are making progress. Jani Hakanpaa's return for the playoffs is uncertain, although he brings valuable playoff experience. The team's choice for an optional practice reflected the upcoming back-to-back games. The Leafs are focused on their division standings, emphasizing the significance of the forthcoming matches in Florida as they battle for playoff positioning against direct rivals.

Berube stated, 'They won't play in either game in the next two. It looks like they’re progressing. They were skating today, which is good... but will be out.'

When discussing Hakanpaa’s potential for playoffs, Berube remarked, 'He has played a lot of playoff games and has been around. Hopefully, he can get... helping us if we need him.'

On the optional practice, Berube noted, 'We have back-to-back games coming up twice in five days... that is part of the reasoning.'

Berube emphasized the importance of the upcoming games, stating, 'They are right there with us, right? That is who we are fighting with in your division.'

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