Markus Hannikainen was born on March 26, 1993, in Helsinki, Finland. In 2014-15, as a member of JYP Jyvaskyla of the Finnish SM-liiga, he recorded 19 goals and added 27 assists in 60 games. His strong play did not go unnoticed by NHL clubs. On April 20, 2015, Hannikainen signed a two-year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Hannikainen spent the majority of this his first North American season with the Blue Jackets' AHL affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters. In 50 games for the club the big wingers scored seven times and added 13 assists. He would also get his first taste of life in the NHL during the 2015-16 season, appearing in four games for the Blue Jackets.
