Former Sabre Cody Hodgson has announced his retirement from Pro hockey at the age of 26.
Hodgson played 39 games for the Nashville Predators last season, scoring three goals and five assists during that time. His one-year contract was not renewed and now he’s elected to officially end his playing career, but will assume a role with the Predators’ youth hockey association.
Hodgson’s career was filled with a lot of promise when he was drafted in 2008 (10th overall) by the Vancouver Canucks. The Sabres acquired him and Alexander Sulzer in 2012 in exchange for Zack Kassian and Marc-Andre Gragnani.
Once he came to Buffalo, Hodgson’s efforts were sub-par to say the least. He started well, and it got him a six-year deal worth approximately $25 million.
He had one 20-goal season after the new deal, but just six goals in 78 games the following year. His poor performance forced the Sabres to buy him out, and Buffalo will be paying him just under $800,000 nearly every year until 2023.
He became an unrestricted free agent this summer and now will be teaching kids how to play hockey.