Class-action status denied in concussion suit

ST. PAUL, MINN.— The federal judge overseeing the NHL concussion case has denied classaction status for the former players suing the league over head injuries.

U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson issued her 46-page order on Friday, the first significant victory for the league in a landmark lawsuit that was filed almost five years ago.

Nelson wrote that “widespread differences” in state laws about medical monitoring, which the retired players are seeking, would “present significant case management difficulties.”

The judge declined to certify either of the proposed classes by the ex-players. They sought to create one group of all living former NHL players and one group of all retired players diagnosed with a neurological disease, disorder or condition. Had they succeeded, more than 5,000 former players would have been allowed to join the case.

The last hearing on the classaction status was held in March in Nelson’s courtroom in St. Paul. SWEDE DEAL: Andreas Johnsson has inked a one-year, twoway contract with the Leafs that will play him $787,500 (U.S.) if he is in the NHL.

The 23-year-old Swedish native split the 2017-18 season between the Leafs and the Toronto Marlies. He played nine regular-season game with the Leafs and had a goal and an assist in six NHL playoff games.

Johnsson then went on to win the AHL playoff MVP award as the Marlies won the Calder Cup.