You don't often set a feel good story in Milwaukee, but this one is starting there. Former Nashville Predators forward Cody Hodgson is ending his retirement and joining the Milwaukee Admirals on a PTO contract.
The forward last played for the Nashville Predators and the Admirals in the 2015-2016 season. For the big club, he had 8 points (3 goals 5 assists) in 39 games, while averaging under 11 minutes per night on the ice. With the Admirals he faired better, recording 11 points (4 goals 7 assists) in just 14 games.
Hodgson's best season came in 2013-14 while playing for the Buffalo Sabers, with 44 points (20 goals 24 assists) in 72 games. This came off of the heels of a 34-point season (15 goals 19 assists) in the lockout-shortened 48-game season. He was drafted 10th overall in 2008 by the Vancouver Canucks. In 328 games with the Canucks, Nashville Predators, and Buffalo Sabres, the Canadian forward had 64 goals and 78 assists for 142 points.
Hodgson's Hockey Career was Cut Short, Now He's Making a Comeback
Hodgson retired after the 2015-2016 season and would later find out that he was struggling with a disease called malignant hyperthermia. This was something that had gone undiagnosed during his career, which was injury plauged and caused his early retirement. A healthy 25-year-old doesn't retire two years removed from his best season.
The Admirals are at the minimum getting a player who was incredibly good in the AHL. In 85 games with the Manitoba Moose, Rochester Americans, and Milwaukee Admirals he recorded 60 points, 26 goals 34 assists in total. Of course, these numbers were put up in limited games and over eight years ago, but Hodgson is coming into a great scenario.
The Predators long-time farm team finds itself currently at the top of AHL's central division. They've gotten really good contributions from the center position so far, but at the moment are down Denis Gurianov, their 2nd leading scorer as he's currently playing with the Nashville Predators.
If Hodgson is able to make the team, he'll bring a wise veteran presence and perspective. A player who had his career ripped away from him, now has a chance to reclaim it.
There aren't very many players that make comebacks after retiring. Hodgson is a special circumstance though. At age 33 he's likely missed his prime as a player, but he's healthy. He has far less wear and tear on his body than the average 33-year-old pro hockey player. This could be his key to jumping back into the pro game and being successful. He certainly has skills and just attempting this comeback after an eight-year layoff means that he has perspective.
Now is there any chance that Hodgson could find his way back to the Predators? Sure in theory. He produces, or excels in a particular role, why not bring him up? It helps put a cap on a killer story. He's also again a veteran presence and has pretty extensive NHL experience as well as a previous playoff run. You don't have to root for this, but if you're not then I'm worried about your soul.