Late NHLer Montador Planned To Sue NHL Prior To Death; Family Likely To File Suit

Late NHLer Steve Montador, who died last week at the age of 35, "was preparing to sue the NHL over its failure to deal with the issue of concussions and to warn its players of the risk of long-term brain damage from concussions" in the month before he passed, according to Philip Hersh of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Corboy & Demetrio Associate William Gibbs, the attorney "whom Montador had retained, expects a lawsuit still will be filed on behalf of Montador and his family" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2/21). In Chicago, David Haugh wrote Montador's death "need not be in vain," as it can "serve as the latest grim reminder to the importance of concussion prevention and awareness in which NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman takes such pride." Haugh: "Of more importance, hopefully it can create a fresh look at how fighting in the NHL runs contrary to everything Bettman professes about protecting players' brains." The league "no longer needs fighting to fill arenas or protect the NHL's biggest stars" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2/22).