Olympic Gold Medallist Loses NHL Deal After Failing Physical

According to the Colorado Avalanche, Forward Saku Mäenalanen was released by the team after failing a team physical before the start of training camp.

Mäenalanen, 29, is a 98 Game NHL veteran, having played 34 Games for the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2018-19 season, before signing with Finnish club Jokerit, first in the KHL, and then returning to their native Finland's Liiga, where Mäenalanen established himself as one of the league's top two-way forwards , leading to his signing with the Winnipeg Jets for the 2021-22 season, where Mäenalanen had 4 Goals and 10 Points in 64 Games.

Internationally, Mäenalanen was a member of Finland's 2022 Olympic and World Championship Gold Medal teams. The Avalanche signed Mäenalanen to a Professional Tryout Contract (PTO) on September 8th. Mäenalanen is now expected to sign with Swiss club SC Langlau, According to reports from Switzerland.