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Akim Aliu released from his professional tryout by the Hamilton Bulldogs

After earning a 25-game professional tryout contract following training camp, Hamilton has decided to cut the power forward just 14 games into the season.

There were some mixed reactions when the Hamilton Bulldogs brought in forward Akim Aliu on a professional tryout contract in September.

Coming into training camp, the scouting report on Aliu was that he's a power forward who plays with an edge and thrives playing a physical game. Still, his reputation for being enigmatic at times caused Canadiens fans to wonder how he would fit with the Bulldogs.

After a solid training camp where Aliu's physical presence was felt, the Bulldogs decided to award the 24-year-old with a 25-game professional tryout contract.

Unfortunately for Aliu, his tryout with Hamilton has been short lived after Montreal Canadiens and Bulldogs General Manager Marc Bergevin announced today that the team will be parting ways with Aliu.

In 14 games with the Bulldogs this season, Aliu put up four points (three goals, one assist) and 18 penalty minutes.

Prior to this season, Aliu spent the previous two seasons within the Calgary Flames' organization. In 84 combined games played with the Abbotsford Heat, Calgary's affiliate, Aliu recorded a total of 26 points (14 goals, 12 assists) and 170 penalty minutes. Aliu also played 5 games between 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 with the Flames, registering 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) and 26 penalty minutes.

The Nigerian-born forward was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks, 56th overall in the 2007 NHL draft after spending his junior career in the OHL with the Windsor Spitfires, Sudbury Wolves, and London Knights.

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