Olympic Gold Medalist Has Contract Terminated After Failing Physical

The NHL preseason is an opportunity for players to resurrect their careers. Unfortunately for one player, he will not have an opportunity to get his career back on track due to an injury.

Saku Maenalanen who had been signed to a PTO by the Colorado Avalanche has been released today after failing his physical. The 29-year-old won a gold medal at the Olympics with Finland in 2022. The reason for him failing his physical has not been announced to this point.

ust 10 days after signing a PTO with the Colorado #Avalanche, forward Saku Mäenalanen has been released from the agreement. The highly decorated 29-year-old failed his physical.

To make up for the loss, Colorado has brought in Olympic bronze medalist Brandon Kozun on a PTO. The 33-year-old scored 24 (10+14) points in 41 #KHL games as #Dinamo Minsk's captain last season. He has 20 games of #NHL experience.

In a corresponding move, the Avalanche have signed former Toronto Maple Leaf, Brandon Kozun, to a PTO. Kozun, 33, has spent most of his career in Europe. He will now get an opportunity to earn an NHL roster spot.

While Kozun is likely destined for the NHL a strong training camp could change his fate. The Avalanche have struggled with forward injuries in recent years. If this continues Kozun could find himself with an opportunity. If not then he will likely be a veteran leader for the Colorado Eagles of the AHL.

Previously on PuckReporter

Evgeny Kuznetsov Comments On What His New Coach Brings To Washington

San Jose Sharks Captain To Miss Significant Time With Injury

Flames Veteran Stripped Of Captaincy: Trade Imminent

POLL
21 SEPTEMBRE \| 77 ANSWERS Olympic Gold Medalist Has Contract Terminated After Failing Physical Will the Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2023-24?
Yes	15	19.5 %
No	62	80.5 %
LIST OF POLLS