Judge rules family of Steve Montador can file lawsuit against the NHL in his death

The family of former NHLer Steve Montador has been told by a judge that they can pursue a lawsuit against the league in his untimely death. Montador, a defenceman who played close to 600 games in the NHL for six different teams, died at the age of 35. He had suffered 11 documented concussions during his playing days, including four in a span of 12 weeks in 2012.

Montador was found dead in his home in Mississauga, Ontario in 2015. According to his brother, "he just either stopped breathing or his heart went." Four days later, his girlfriend gave birth to their child. Montador had made the decision to donate his brain to science before his death. Researchers found he had suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition that doctors have noted is caused by concussions. Montador had been involved in numerous fights throughout his hockey career.

When Montador's family had initially filed a lawsuit on his behalf, a judge dismissed it saying that some claims made by Montador's father, Paul, were completely preempted by the NHL's collective labour agreement with the NHLPA, which directs players with medical-related grievances to pursue private arbitration. However, this latest ruling says Montador's father can pursue a lawsuit against the league for "allegedly misrepresenting the risk of repeated concussions while promoting a culture of violence."

Montador spoke openly of the depression he suffered following his concussion issues while playing with the Chicago Blackhawks. According to his brother Chris, he spent a great deal of time researching the effects of head injuries. His brother also noted that Montador's behaviour had changed considerably before his death.

Besides Chicago, Montador played for the Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres.

Steve Montador suffered at least 11 documented concussions in the NHL, including 4 in 12 weeks in 2012, his family has said.
Dr. Charles Tator told a Canadian govt hearing he examined Montador's medical records & found Steve actually had 19 documented concussions.— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) August 27, 2021

pic.twitter.com/8gPiOdElxz— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) August 27, 2021

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