Avalanche release Olympic gold medalist from PTO after failing physical

Training camps are in full swing around the National Hockey League, with most teams already done their initial phase of physicals and fitness testing.

For the Colorado Avalanche, one of their recent signings did not pass his physical.

Saku Maenalanen, a 2022 Olympic gold medalist, was signed to a PTO earlier this summer, but it was revealed that he didn't pass his physical and has been released by the team.

Maenalanen, 29, appeared in 64 regular season games with the Jets last season, where he had ten points (four goals, six assists), 16 penalty minutes and had an even-rating.


As a replacement, the Avalanche have signed another Olympian, this time a bronze medalist and former NHLer, Brandon Kozun, to a PTO.

Kozun, 33, spent the 2022-23 season in the KHL with Dynamo Minsk where he put up 24 points (ten goals, 14 assists) in 41 games.

The Avalanche will open their preseason schedule on Sunday afternoon against the Minnesota Wild.