Breaking: Former Blackhawks prospect and team captain announces his retirement at only 23-years-old

The Chicago Blackhawks drafted one Chris Calnan back in 2012 with their 3rd round pick (79th overall), in the hopes of acquiring a big bodied right winger with a bit of offensive upside, but mostly the hockey sense to fill a bottom six role.

According to a press release from his current team, he has announced his retirement at only 23 years of age.

After playing out his college career at Boston College, the Blackhawks neglected to sign the prospect - with Calnan never really showing that he had the offensive ability to be a factor at the NHL level.

Still - he served as team captain in his senior year, demonstrating the leadership qualities he possessed. Touted for his hockey smarts, it was still believed he could land a role on a NHL team's bottom six, but that never transpired.

Instead - he ended up signed to a contract with the New Jersey Devils' ECHL affiliate, the Adirondack Thunder. Limited to only 5 games this season due to injury issues, he reportedly made the decision to retire early.

We hope for nothing but the best as Calnan figures out the next step in his young life.