Credit: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Former NHL player and coach Tony Granato announced Sunday that he has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Granato, 59, who was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020, shared the news on social media.
“I debated how to share this news, but I will be taking a temporary leave of absence from NBC Sports Chicago and the Blackhawks broadcasts, as well as NHL Network,” Granato posted. “I was recently diagnosed with a form of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and will begin treatment this week.
“I wish I could reach out to everyone individually but felt like this was the best way to share the news. My family, faith, and friends will be my strength to help me through my treatments. I appreciate all the love and support I have received already.
“With the holiday season here, cherish the times with your loved ones, as I know I will.”
Granato was a sixth-round pick of the New York Rangers in the 1982 draft and had 492 points (248 goals, 244 assists) in 773 games with the Rangers (1988-90), Los Angeles Kings (1990-96) and San Jose Sharks (1996-2001). In 79 playoff games, he had 43 points (16 goals, 27 assists).
In 1997, Granato won the Bill Masterton Trophy, which is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
After retiring as a player, Granato coached the Colorado Avalanche from 2002-04 and 2008-09. He posted a 104-78-16 record in 215 regular-season games. In two playoff appearances, his teams finished 9-9.
Granato also served as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins (2009-14) and Detroit Red Wings (2014-16), then went on to coach the University of Wisconsin’s men’s hockey team for seven seasons before being fired in March.
Granato’s sister, Cammi, became the first woman in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2010. His brother, Don, is the coach of the Buffalo Sabres.
–Field Level Media