Vegas Golden Knights Terminate Contract of Newly Acquired Forward

Remember when the Vegas Golden Knights traded Marc-Andre Fleury to the Chicago Blackhawks and received a player not many have heard of in return? Turns out Vegas has had second thoughts, and have decided to terminate the contract of Mikael Hakkarainen.  

Vegas Golden Knights have placed F Mikael Hakkarainen on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination. He was the piece #VegasBorn acquired from #Blackhawks in Fleury trade, the 23-year old had 1 year left on $825,833 AAV ELC. Had 1 pt in 6 ECHL GP last season

— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) August 18, 2021

The 23-year-old center was the only piece that was dealt for Fleury as the subtraction of his $7 million contract is what appealed to the Golden Knights to make the trade. The Finnish prospect has played 14 games in the AHL in the past two seasons and isn't considered a prospect to watch out for.

The former 5th round pick of the Blackhawks now hits the open market and will look around the league to try and find a two-way contract. As for Fleury, he decided not to retire and to join the Blackhawks in Chicago and the team has all of a sudden become a Stanley Cup contender.

Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports