Former Vancouver Canucks defenceman leaves organization for team in Europe
Remember all the Akito Hirose hype?
Well, the former promising Vancouver Canucks defenceman has just signed overseas to play in Germany, inking a deal with the Fischtown Pinguins of the DEL.
His departure to play in Germany is a cautionary tale for fans about what often happens with college prospects.
Hirose signed with the Vancouver Canucks after finishing his college career in the spring of 2023. He played seven NHL games with the club in 2022-23, showcasing poise and a first pass that hinted at big-league potential.
Then, prior to opening night of the 2023-24 season, Hirose made the Canucks’ NHL squad.
Yes, injuries played a part in it, as Carson Soucy and Guillaume Brisebois were injured before the first regular-season game. However, the Canucks elected to keep Hirose with the NHL team over more established veterans like Christian Wolanin and Matt Irwin.
Hirose played over 15 minutes on opening night for the Canucks in 2023-24, a raucous 8-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.
The undersized defenceman played two more games for the Canucks in October 2023.
But that was the last time he played in the NHL.
Hirose suffered a couple of injuries, missing significant time later in the 2023-24 season. The Calgary native was also the recipient of a concussion in 2024-25. He did rejoin the AHL lineup later in the year and helped the Abbotsford Canucks win the Calder Cup in June.