The Daily: Former Red Wings Player Had CTE; Flyers Injury

TSN’s Rick Westhead reported Thursday that former Detroit Red Wings player Greg Johnson was posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (also know as CTE), a degenerative brain disease connected to repeated head trauma.

Johnson’s family and the Concussion Legacy Foundation jointly announced the diagnosis five years after Johnson committed suicide in Rochester, Mich.

Johnson played 14 seasons in the NHL, starting with the Red Wings in 1993-94. He also played with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators.

According to the statement, Johnson’s daughter, Carson said: “I had no idea what CTE even stood for when my dad took his life. Now understanding that the hits he endured throughout his hockey career damaged his brain, I want all athletes to understand the risks and I want the NHL to start acknowledging it exists and do more to protect its players so other daughters don’t have to lose their fathers.”

Westhead writes that the brains of 17 of 18 NHL players studied in the U.S. and Canada have now been diagnosed with CTE, including Ralph Backstrom, Henri Richard, Stan Mikita, Bob Probert, Steve Montador, and Bob Murdoch. CTE has also been diagnosed in amateur players.

BREAKING: NHL veteran, former Nashville Predators captain Greg Johnson diagnosed with CTE. https://t.co/oDkWuEVQgJ

Johnson died by suicide 5 years ago this week at age 48. His daughters & widow want those suffering to know help is available.

17 of 18 NHL players studied in the…

— Concussion Legacy Foundation (@ConcussionLF) July 10, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Bob Duff explain what the Dymtro Timashov KHL trade means about Red Wings prospect Dmitry Buchelnikov. 

Like his former linemate Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk isn’t interested in working for the Detroit Red Wings in management.

Behind the paywall: DHN takes a look at what Coach Derek Lalonde’s Red Wings need to do to qualify for the playoffs next season. If you want to subscribe to DHN+ stories, click this link.  If want to receive a $10 discount on our yearly subscription price, use the promo code kevin10.

Red Wings Offseason

One of the hard-to-fathom stats of the Detroit Red Wings’ 2023-24 season is that they ranked last in HDCF (High Danger Chances For) and still managed to rank ninth overall in goal scoring. Accordin to naturalstattrick.com, the Oilers were No. 1 in that category with 973 in HDCF. That’s 11.9 per game. The Red Wings were 32nd at 588. That’s 7.1 per game.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: In Nate Brown’s column on two truths and lie, the falsehood is the belief that the Blackhawks did enough this offseason to instantly become a playoff a contender. Good read. Chicago Blackhawks.

Florida: Tomas Nosek said the main reason he signed with the Panthers this offseason is because he respected how they played against his Boston Bruins last season. Florida Panthers.

Nashville: Defenseman Alexandre Carrier is over the moon about being able to re-sign with the Nashville Predators.

Philadelphia: Former Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale reveals he was injured all of last season. Philadelphia Flyers.

San Jose Sharks: GM Mike Grier signed Sharks top defenseman prospect Sam Dickinson to an ELC. San Jose Sharks.