A former NHLer with plenty of accolades on the international stage has been forced to retire at the age of 38. Sami Lepisto had signed a contract with HIFK of the Finnish Elite League for next season. However, in a statement, the team said a recent medical examination showed a heart issue that precents him from continuing to play.
Lepisto was initially drafted into the NHL by the Washington Capitals in 2004 (66th overall). He also played for the Phoenix Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Chicago Blackhawks, before signing in the KHL in 2012. Lepisto spent nine seasons in the KHL, moving to the Swedish Hockey League in 2021, and then the Swiss National League in 2022.
Lepisto, now 38, has represented his home country of Finland on the international stage several times, winning two Olympic bronze medals, a gold and a bronze at the World Championships, and a bronze medal at the World Juniors in 2004. He was also named the best defenceman at that tournament. In 2009, he won the AHL's Calder Cup with the Hershey Bears.