Former Canuck Cody Hodgson signs PTO with Nashville Predators’ AHL team

As first reported by Elliotte Friedman on Saturday night, former Vancouver Canucks forward Cody Hodgson is looking to make a comeback in the world of pro hockey. And today, he took that first step, signing a pro tryout contract (PTO) with the Milwaukee Admirals, the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Nashville Predators.

Milwaukee represents a familiar place for Hodgson, as the soon to be 34-year-old finished his career with the Admirals after signing a contract in free agency with the Predators in July 2015. In 2015-16, his final season before retiring, Hodgson appeared in 39 NHL games with Nashville, tallying three goals and five assists in the process. Hodgson put up four goals and seven assists through 14 AHL games in that season.

Hodgson was forced to retire after that season at the age of 26 following his diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia, a rare muscle disorder. Sportsnet’s Dan Robson wrote in 2017 of how Hodgson’s illness was affecting him.

“Through those final years in his short career, he suffered from shortness of breath, blackouts and heart arrhythmia. Sometimes his body would shake for no apparent reason. He was tested for a wide range of ailments, including brain and lung cancer.

“Finally, after what would be his final NHL season with the Nashville Predators, he underwent a muscle biopsy and was subsequently diagnosed with malignant hyperthermia, a genetic disorder that can be triggered by prolonged physical activity.”

Drafted 10th overall by the Canucks in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Hodgson spent just one full season with the Canucks at the NHL level before Vancouver traded him to the Buffalo Sabres for Zack Kassian. Hodgson spent the next three seasons in Buffalo before signing with the Predators in 2015.

Hodgson looks to join an Admirals lineup that sits first in the Central Division with a 22-10-1 record through 33 games. They’re on a five-game winning streak and are 9-1-0 over the past 10 games, making them one of the favourites to win the Calder Cup.

Hodgson won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2009 World Juniors, posting five goals and 16 points in six games, and scored a massive goal for the Canucks in game eight against the Boston Bruins. If you know, you know.