Family of Montreal Canadiens legend announces devastating diagnosis posthumously

"I hope my father's brain donation and diagnosis will lead to more prevention efforts, research, and eventually a CTE treatment," Richard's son, Denis said. "I want people to understand this is a disease that impacts athletes far beyond football."

"I played with Henri. We won two Cups together. He fits none of the easy stereotypes, checks none of the easy boxes," Dryden said.

He added, "Played in a different time, old-time hockey, all the fights? Not Henri. Big hitter? Not Henri. Like Stan Mikita and Ralph Backstrom, he was a great skater, and physical, but he had a playmaker's mind, and played that way. But all those hits to the head. We have to understand, whatever the sport, a hit to the head is not a good thing."