Prospect traded in Marc-Andre Fleury deal forced to retire due to serious health condition at just 24 years old
Back in the summer of 2021, the Vegas Golden Knights made one of the biggest moves of the year when they dealt reigning Vezina Trophy winner Marc-Andre Fleury to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for prospect Mikael Hakkarainen.
For a time, it appeared possible that Fleury could elect to just retire and remain in Vegas with his family. However, Fleury elected to honour the deal and report to Chicago to play out the final year of his contract. In the end, Fleury was dealt to the Minnesota Wild this season, but what ever game of the piece he was moved for?
Unfortunately, according to a report from Miikka Lahtinen, Hakkarainen has been forced to retire at age 24 due to a heart issue. Hakkarainen has been diagnosed with congenital heart disease. He leaves the game behind never having played an NHL game. Absolutely heartbreaking.
Hakkarainen was drafted in the 5th round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. He was the 139th overall pick in the draft. Hakkarainen was a USHL standout with the Muskegon Lumberjacks. He recorded 46 points in 36 games with the Lumberjacks in his draft year.
