Injury Forces Retirement of Three-Time Stanley Cup Winner

Igor Burdetskiy April 6, 2023

2 1 minute read

Niklas Hjalmarsson is a long-time veteran of the game and one of Sweden’s most accomplished hockey players.
He won three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks during his career and is widely regarded as a key figure in the Blackhawks’ 2010 dynasty. Unfortunately for Hjalmarsson, his playing days in hockey are likely over.

Hjalmarsson left the NHL in 2021 to return to his home country and play in the SHL for his youth club, HV71. His tenure in Sweden would be cut short, however, as Hjalmarsson suffered what appears to be a career ending injury in January.

A hit from Orebro’s Emil Larssons would take Hjalmarsson out of the lineup for the rest of the season, and it appears he’s finally decided to call it quits.

Emil Larssons tackling på Niklas Hjalmarsson #SHL #Örebrohk #HV71
🎥 C More pic.twitter.com/XJYlyJewVV

— SwehockeyGIFs (@swehockeygifs) January 22, 2023

When announcing his retirement from hockey, Hjalmarsson said the following:

“It has taken a while, last week was the first time I felt completely one hundred percent. I was wondering and a little scared when it went on for so long. I will see if I come back to another role in the future. I love hockey, that’s what I’ve done and that’s what I can do. Some kind of coach would be exciting to try.”

Despite the unfortunate end to Hjalmarsson’s playing career, it appears that the Swede will continue to be involved with the game in some capacity. Niklas, congratulations on a fantastic career!

Subscribe to this author's posts feed via RSS

Bio
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
Latest Posts

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!