Gold Medallist Loses NHL Spot After Failing His Physical

The Colorado Avalanche roster looks prepared and ready to go on another deep playoff run in 2023-24, and now, it's been revealed that they've already lost one of their key PTO's from this summer.

An Olympic Gold Medalist

The Colorado Avalanche had given former Olympic Gold Medalist Saku Maenalanen a PTO earlier this summer, but unfortunately, it has now been confirmed he has lost his spot after failing a physical.


The 6-foot-4, 29-year old Swedish forward impressed at the Olympics when the NHL players were not allowed at the event, and it's led to him getting another big NHL break last year, but now, it appears things aren't looking good.

Future in doubt?

His 2022-23 season was spent with the Winnipeg Jets, where he played in 64 games, tallying 4 goals and 10 points over that time, and now, his future may be in jeopardy.

It's not yet clear what happened during the failed physical, but it's the worst case scenario for a veteran player who finally got his break, and now, the team turned to former Maple Leafs Forward Brandon Kozun, who is looking to reignite his NHL career after almost a decade.


As Read on Blade of Steel - Avalanche release Olympic gold medalist from PTO after failing physical