Cody Hodgson planning NHL return after eight year hiatus [Video]

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The health issues that drove former NHL forward Cody Hodgson away from hockey eight years ago were frightening enough for him to fear the worst.

He was shaking often. His body felt unusually hot. He had an abnormal heartbeat. He was having a tough time breathing. Tests showed his liver and kidney were damaged.

“At the time, they were testing me for brain, liver, lung cancer – all that stuff,” said Hodgson, who played six seasons with the Vancouver Canucks (2010-12), Buffalo Sabres (2012-15) and Nashville Predators (2015-16).

Hodgson instead was diagnosed with malignant hyperthermia, which is related to a mutation on the RYR1 gene that assists with muscle contraction. The condition can result in high body temperature, a rapid heart rate, and/or muscle spasms.

In Hodgson’s case, it also led …