Hackett grew up studying Tony Esposito and patterned his game after him. He was drafted by the New York Islanders in the second round of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft after playing in junior for the London Diamonds and the Oshawa Generals. Behind Billy Smith and Kelly Hrudey on the Islanders\' goaltending depth chart, Hackett split his first two seasons with New York and the Springfield Indians of the American Hockey League. He led the Springfield Indians to a Calder Cup win in 1990 and was awarded the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy, annually given to the most valuable player of the playoffs.\n', '

The San Jose Sharks claimed him in the 1991 NHL Expansion Draft. During his first season in San Jose, Hackett was named team MVP for his play. However, after winning only two games in 1992-93, one of them a Sharks\' record 57 save effort against the Kings, Hackett was dealt to the Chicago Blackhawks prior to 1993–94 and he backed up Ed Belfour for several seasons. His excellent play in 1996–97 allowed the Blackhawks to trade Belfour to San Jose mid-season. His only full season as Chicago\'s top goaltender, was highlighted by a career-high eight shutouts.\n', '

A month into the season, Hackett was involved in a six-player trade which sent him to the Montreal Canadiens. He quickly became a fan favorite in Montreal as he recorded career highs in games played (63) and wins (26). After another solid season in 1999–2000, Hackett was limited to fifteen games in 2000–01 and eighteen games in 2001–02 due to a shoulder injury and lost the starter\'s job to 2002 Vezina Trophy winner José Théodore in the process. This signaled the end of his stint with Montreal as midway through 2002–03 he was involved in a three-way trade which sent him back to San Jose temporarily and then on to the Boston Bruins.\n', '

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