Avs Terminate PTO Of Olympic Gold Medalist After Failed Physical

The Colorado Avalanche are looking to get back on track after a disappointing 2023 NHL Playoff performance. One of the biggest things that stood in the Avalanches' way was injuries. Unfortunately for them, the injury bug continues to hit the team even in a new season.

A new report has confirmed that an Olympic Gold Medalist has had his return to the NHL cut short due to a failed physical. Saku Maenalanen reportedly failed his physical today and has been released from his Player Tryout (PTO).

Maenalanen played in 64 games with the Winnipeg Jets last season. He was also a part of the 2022 Finnish Olympic Team who won the gold medal. As of now there is no cause for Maenalanen's failed physical but details could always come out eventually. In a corresponding move, the Avalanche signed another former Olympian to a PTO.

Former Canadian Olympian Brandon Kozun was signed by the Avalanche after Maenalanen's release. Kozun was a part of the 2018 Olympic team where he played 5 games had 2 points and won a Bronze medal.

Just 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.

Kozun has played the last several years of his professional career in Europe. Before that Kozun was a member of the Los Angeles Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs organizations. Now at 33 years old Kozun will get another NHL opportunity.

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POLL
21 SEPTEMBRE \| 117 ANSWERS Avs Terminate PTO Of Olympic Gold Medalist After Failed Physical Will Saku Maenalanen play in the NHL again?
Yes	53	45.3 %
No	64	54.7 %
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