Former NHL Defenseman Makes Official Comeback To Professional Hockey

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Hunter Bowman
March 20, 2024 (10:30 PM)

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Four years after stepping away from professional hockey, Akim Aliu, a trailblazer in the Hockey Diversity Alliance and former NHL defenseman, is making a comeback.

The San Jose Barracuda, the AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, has signed Aliu to a professional tryout for the rest of the 2023-24 season.

Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff broke the news:

"Hearing Akim Aliu is returning to the ice.

#sjsharks GM Mike Grier confirmed today he is signing Aliu to an AHL tryout deal for remainder of the season with @sjbarracuda. Aliu last played pro in 2020 in Czechia and has battled through years of surgeries and rehab, but his dream never wavered."

Mike Grier, the Sharks' general manager, expressed the team's intention to provide Aliu with a chance to showcase his abilities at the professional level again.

"We wanted to give him an opportunity to see what he can do," said Grier.

Aliu's journey has been anything but ordinary. Drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2007, he faced challenges including racist remarks from coach Bill Peters, leading to Peters resignation from the Calgary Flames in 2019. Aliu played seven NHL games with the Flames, scoring three points.

After a series of knee injuries and a stint in Czechia, his professional career seemed uncertain until this recent opportunity with the Barracuda. As Aliu prepares to hit the ice once more, all eyes will be on him to see if he can impact the Barracuda's season.

Source: Bladeofsteel