NHL veteran, former Nashville Predators captain Greg Johnson diagnosed with CTE

(Boston) – The widow and daughters of NHL veteran Greg Johnson are releasing the results of his post-mortem brain tissue analysis today through the Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF) to raise awareness for the long-term effects of concussions and repetitive head impacts in hockey. Johnson, who played 14 seasons in the NHL, died by suicide five years ago this week at age 48. Dr. Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center, diagnosed Johnson with CTE, but was unable to definitively stage it due to the manner of death.

“This diagnosis took my breath away,” said Kristin Johnson, Greg Johnson’s wife of 22 years. “Greg’s death shattered our world, and we never once thought this disease was something he struggled with. He experienced very few symptoms that we knew of, but he spoke of his concussions often. I remember the exact moment he told me his heart condition forcing him to retire was a blessing because he couldn’t take another hit. He knew his hockey career had a profound impact on his brain.”

Johnson played hockey for 31 years, beginning at age 5. Never utilized as an enforcer, Johnson was known for his work ethic as a two-way forward. He was the second-ever team captain for the Nashville Predators, where he played from 1998-2006, and is remembered by his teammates as a soft-spoken, quiet leader. Johnson also spent time with the Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Detroit Red Wings. He won a silver medal with Team Canada at the 1994 Olympics.

According to the National Institutes of Health, CTE is caused in part by repeated traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Leading scientists consider the presence of CTE to be confirmation of exposure to repeated TBIs, which most frequently occur in the context of repetitive head impacts received while playing contact sports. However, in early-stage cases, it is unclear if symptoms are related to CTE, TBIs, or other factors.

In addition, suicide is complex and multifactorial, and a post-mortem CTE diagnosis should not be considered as the cause of a suicide. However, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with suicide, independent of CTE. A 2019 study found that a diagnosed concussion doubles the risk of suicide. The relationship between TBI, CTE, and suicide has not been formally studied.

“I had no idea what CTE even stood for when my dad took his life,” said Carson Johnson, Greg Johnson’s eldest daughter. “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.”

According to public records, 17 of 18 NHL players studied in the U.S. and Canada have now been diagnosed with CTE, including fellow Team Canada members Ralph Backstrom, Henri Richard, Stan Mikita, Bob Probert, Steve Montador, and Bob Murdoch. CTE has also been diagnosed in amateur players.

“I’m so proud to have my dad’s legacy attached to this research and know the kindness and generosity he showed others during his life will continue to make a difference for years to come,” said Piper Johnson, Greg Johnson’s youngest daughter. “He truly was the best dad ever, and to lose him to suicide was beyond anything we could imagine. It was awful, but we want to talk about it to help others struggling know they are not alone, and there is help available.”

Help is available for former hockey players and their families struggling with suspected CTE symptoms. The CLF HelpLine provides free, personalized support to patients and families through doctor recommendations, peer support, and resources. Anyone who needs assistance can reach out at CLFHelpline.org.

Kristin, Carson, and Piper Johnson will not be taking any interview requests, and do not plan to speak further on the diagnosis beyond what is in this release. They ask for privacy at this time.