In another example of a career gone awry, Dillon Fournier has decided to hang up his skates. Scott Powers of The Athletic has the exclusive with the Chicago Blackhawks prospect, who has played sparingly the last few seasons thanks to multiple shoulder surgeries. Set to become a restricted free agent this summer, the Blackhawks will no longer have to decide whether to offer him a new contract.
It was just five years ago that Chicago made Fournier the 48th-overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft, bringing in this big impressive defenseman from the QMJHL to add to their prospect pool. He was taken two picks ahead of Colton Sissons, who is now starring for the Nashville Predators in the Stanley Cup Final. Still just 22, Fournier has played 13 games the past two seasons combined. Powers talks to Norm Maciver, Blackhawks assistant general manager:
Unfortunately, he had so many shoulder injuries. Any time it seemed like he was on the right track, it would be another setback. It’s just unfortunate, real nice kid. Sometimes in pro sports injuries can derail a lot of careers. Unfortunately for Dillon, it just didn’t work out.
It is unfortunate, because Fournier looked at one point like he had a good chance to make the NHL. The 6’2″ defenseman was an excellent skater who could compete at both ends of the rink. He scored 32 points in 36 games in his final year of junior. According to his agent, he’ll likely go back to school and perhaps play some college hockey in Canada.