Tony Granato was selected by the New York Rangers in the sixth round of the 1982 NHL draft.
He went on to play 773 games with the Rangers, LA Kings, and San Jose Sharks throughout a successful NHL career, where he scored 248 goals and 492 points.
After he retired, he stepped into a coaching career, and he’s had two stints as coach of the Colorado Avalanche, from 2002 to 2004, and from 2008 to 2009. Granato has also been an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings.
In 2021, he was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, but now, he’s shared some devastating news on social media.
Granato announced that he has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Granato has worked as a TV analyst for both the NHL and the Chicago Blackhawks, but will now be taking a leave of absence.
“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 on X.
“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.”
Granato was fired in March as head coach at his alma mater Wisconsin, after seven seasons there. In 2018, he coached the United States in the Winter Olympics.
In his announcement, he’s asking people to cherish the time with their loved ones.
“With the holiday season here, cherish the times with your loved ones, as I know I will.”‘
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