The Vegas Golden Knights have placed Mikael Hakkarainen on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a mutual contract termination, according to CapFriendly. Hakkarainen was the sole return for Marc-Andre Fleury in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this summer, though even the press release at the time indicated that he would remain with the Rockford IceHogs instead of joining the Henderson Silver Knights. Now he won’t even be under contract with the Golden Knights, becoming an unrestricted free agent when the termination goes through tomorrow.
Hakkarainen, 23, had one year left on his entry-level contract but had struggled to find playing time in the Blackhawks minor league system. This season he split the year between the Indy Fuel of the ECHL and Rockford, playing six games for each. In those contests, the fifth-round pick recorded just a single assist. His time in the AHL could be over, as he failed to score a single point in 14 games for the IceHogs since joining them in 2019.
He will be free to sign anywhere, though it’s unclear where his professional future lies at this point. A return to Finland perhaps, though he hasn’t played there since the 2014-15 campaign. Hakkarainen was the 139th overall pick in 2018, after spending two seasons in the USHL.
With Hakkarainen now set for release, the Golden Knights officially have nothing but cap space to show for the Fleury trade.
The old “trade for cap space.” When a team has no other options and simply runs out of patience trying to make a real “hockey trade”, this happens. Welcome to the wonderful world of the hard cap league. Also, this is yet another example of a player (European in this case) who says “Bite me” to the ECHL and AHL “opportunities.” Both of those leagues continue to slide, reputation-wise.
Vegas should have traded Lerner and got real value back. Giving up your Vezina winner for a bag of pucks is not a good look!
Sure, losing out on a 5th rounder who can’t score. I don’t know how the AHL’s reputation will recover.
This was a true give away trade..
@Ducey – You’re not seeing the bigger picture here. It isn’t just about Hakkarainen, but the ever-increasing number of players who don’t view the North American minor leagues as legit for their development. They aren’t buying what the ECHL and AHL are selling, so they’ll pull the chute and head back overseas.
It’s true the AHL I think is garnering a Mickey Mouse reputation especially with European players.
@Mac – The flat cap and having a number of AHL and ECHL teams cancel their seasons didn’t help with this situation, that’s for sure. And with some uncertainty even heading into next season, going back overseas is no doubt looking like a better situation for some players.
the Lehner contract was a massive mistake
No it isn’t. You are the worst Darkside
Remember the days when a player got traded for cash? Sure glad they’ve improved upon those days (insert eye roll).
@Gbear – Thinking of a certain player that was acquired for a “King’s Ransom” back in the day? :-)
I recall the Blues sending off some very good players for cash back in the day. They were a feeder program for the Habs! :D
It is absolutely hilarious that Fleury has had no trade value for like over two years now. There has to be something going on behind the scenes, I know he’s been a bit of a distraction but that can’t tank his value to zero.
I think there was the risk he just wouldn’t report to the team and retire. I don’t know for sure but from what I understand I think he’s a pretty well liked guy amongst his peers.
He’s literally the most loved teammate I’ve ever seen in any sport.
Also, fire Hextall. MAF was free.
@forwhomjoshbelltolled – Promise me, that if you have even HALF the chance, you’ll crosscheck Hextall’s head off and make it look like an on-purpose! For dessert, tell him, “Billy sent me!”