After 8-Year Retirement, Cody Hodgson Signs PTO

We reported earlier this week on the story that former top-10 draft pick Cody Hodgson was hoping to rekindle his career after an 8-year retirement due to a rare physical disorder. He's now taken the next big step in his return, signing a professional tryout contract with the Nashville Predators' AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals.

Welcome back, Hodge 👊

We've signed Cody Hodgson to a PTO.#MILhockey | @MitchellAirport pic.twitter.com/6qHxzzb9QY

— Milwaukee Admirals (@mkeadmirals) January 17, 2024

Hodgson last played in 2016 for the Predators after several seasons to start his career with the Vancouver Canucks and Buffalo Sabres. He was forced to retire after being diagnosed with a condition known as malignant hyperthermia. It left him with "numerous injuries, severe symptoms, and episodes of rhabdomyolysis," according to the RYR-1 Foundation. 

NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman reported over the weekend that Hodgson got a clean bill of health last year, and has been skating and working out regularly in a bid to give the game another shot. 

He'll be turning 34 in February, and has no unrealistic hopes that he'll be able to make it all the way back to the NHL, said Friedman, but he'll certainly get a chance to show what he's got in the American Hockey League. 

Hodgson was the No. 10 overall selection in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, and in 328 career games, he recorded 64 goals and 142 points.  

After his career was stalled, he took on a role in the RYR-1 Foundation, raising awareness for the rare condition. He remains on the Foundations's Board of Advisors.

Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports