NHL Defenseman Forced Into Early Retirement

We have some rather sad news to bring to you all this Friday afternoon. San Jose Sharks defenseman Markus Nutivaara has announced his retirement at just 29 years of age.

Nutivaara has decided to retire from professional hockey at just 29 years old. The news comes due to an ongoing hip injury that kept him out for the entire season this year.

While Nutivaara did play one preseason game with the Sharks this season, his injury kept him from playing for the rest of the season. Most 29-year-olds in the NHL have at least 5 more years of playing time in them, so this makes Nutivaara's announcement all the more sad.

The Finnish defenseman played four seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets before playing for the Florida Panthers for two years. He amassed 71 points throughout those six seasons and appeared in 275 games.

Nutivaara didn't appear in any regular season games for the Sharks this season and was set to his free agency tomorrow.

We're sad that his career has come to a close so early but wish him all the best in retirement.

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