Cody Hodgson Retires…Again

TSN reported Thursday that Cody Hodgson has retired from professional hockey for the second time. The former Vancouver Canucks, Buffalo Sabres, and Nashville Predators forward made an improbable comeback to the professional ranks after his battle with malignant hyperthermia ended his NHL career. A mutation of his RYR-1 gene caused the disease and drastically affected his ability to recover from physical activity. The disorder causes micro-tears in the muscle and potential organ damage, resulting in the body breaking down more easily.

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On an AHL contract with the Milwaukee Admirals, Hodgson exploded onto the scene with five goals in his first six games. The course of the season proved tougher for the centerman to deal with, as he managed to appear in only 13 games. Still, his six goals and eight points are impressive, given the circumstances. Hodgson retired this time with his head held high.

Hodgson’s NHL Career

Hodgson, once a top prospect in the Canucks organization, was drafted 10th overall in 2008 by Vancouver. The Sabres acquired him amid his first full NHL season, in a deadline deal for forward Zack Kassian. The center recorded 99 points in 218 games for Buffalo, leading the team in points in the 2013-2014 season. A drastic dip in production to only 13 points in 78 games the following season left many scratching their heads. The Sabres subsequently placed Hodgson on waivers to buy out his contract.

The once-heralded center latched on with the Nashville Predators for a season, registering eight points in 39 games before being sent down to AHL Milwaukee. Without a new contract lined up, Hodgson announced his retirement. It wasn’t until 2017 that the forward revealed his suffering from malignant hyperthermia, explaining the sudden dropoff in his performance on the ice. Hodgson’s recent comeback attempt is one of the most feel-good stories in hockey this past year. The dedication and perseverance required just to play one professional game in his condition is remarkable, let alone 13. To perform at a high level across those 13 games is the cherry on top.

Hats off to you, Cody Hodgson.