Saku Mäenalanen’s NHL dream quickly changed to Switzerland.
Saku Mäenalanen is a world champion and Olympic champion. PASI LEISMA
Olympic champion Saku Mäenalanen told For Kaleva the truth about why the doors to the NHL club Colorado Avalanche closed even before reaching training camp.
Last week, news spread from behind the scenes that the Finnish forward, who moved to Colorado on a try-out contract, failed the club’s fitness check. According to Kaleva, it was a health check.
Mäenalanen suffered an upper body injury last season and underwent surgery about four months ago.
According to NHL rules, the surgery Mäenalanen underwent requires five months, regardless of the condition of Huili’s body.
– I was examined, and the club was of the opinion that I would not be allowed in the training camp. I’m fine, so the whole thing surprised me. It feels stupid because I only heard about the whole thing when I went to America, Mäenalanen told Kaleva.
to Switzerland
Mäenalanen did not rest on his laurels, but moved to the Swiss league in the ranks of SCL Tigers. The contract is for three years.
– Yes, I am as healthy as I can be, Mäenalanen said.
Mäenalanen scored 4+6 in 64 regular season games in the Winnipeg Jets in the NHL last year. In five playoff games, he recorded one assist.
Last year, the attacker won the Olympic gold and the world championship with the Lions. There are also three SM league championships and World Championship silver in the trophy case.