Citation

Hiploylee C, Wennberg R, Tator CH. Concussion 2016; 1(4): CNC20.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, The Drake Foundation, Publisher Future Medicine)

DOI

10.2217/cnc-2016-0008

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

AIM: Several high-profile professional hockey players have retired due to career-ending concussions sustained in the National Hockey League (NHL). We sought to determine the salary cost of career-ending concussions in the NHL.

METHODS: Concussion-induced retirements from 1995 to 2015 were identified using public media sources. The number of missed games due to a player's final concussion was multiplied by per game salary to determine cost.

RESULTS: In total, 35 players were identified: the total cost to teams and insurers of career-ending concussions was US$135,476,777. Half of the total consisted of salaries owing three players with contracts still active in 2015.

CONCLUSION: The financial impact of concussion-induced retirements provides another reason for professional leagues to take measures to better protect their players from concussion.

Language: en