Maple Leafs' Hakanpaa practices after LTIR conditioning loan

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mikko Hakanpaa practiced with the team on Monday

Hakanpaa was activated from long-term injured reserve on Sunday

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mikko Hakanpaa practiced with the team on Monday, one day after being activated from long-term injured reserve.

Hakanpaa, 29, missed the first 14 games of the season while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.

The Finnish blueliner was sent to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League on a conditioning loan on Nov. 18.

He played two games with the Marlies, recording one assist.

Hakanpaa is expected to make his season debut with the Maple Leafs on Tuesday night against the Buffalo Sabres.

The Maple Leafs are currently without defenseman Morgan Rielly, who is out with a knee injury.

Hakanpaa's return will give the Maple Leafs some much-needed depth on the blue line.