Autopsy shows ex-NHL defenseman Steve Montador had CTE

The defenseman, who died in February, sustained several concussions during his career.

An autopsy has revealed that deceased former NHL defenseman Steve Montador had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. 

The findings were announced by the Canadian Sports Concussion Project on Tuesday. 

"Montador's autopsy results showed the widespread presence of CTE throughout his brain," the organization said in a statement. "Prior to his death, Montador suffered from depression, erratic behaviour and problems with his memory."

Montador died in February at age 35. He played 10 seasons in the NHL with several teams, most recently in 2011-12 for the Blackhawks. 

Over the course of his career, Montador sustained a number of concussions. He dealt with depression, memory issues and unpredictable behavior.

Montador's family will sue the NHL in wake of the discovery of CTE, according to ESPN's Katie Strang. 

Montador had stints with the Flames, Panthers, Sabres, Ducks, Bruins and Blackhawks during his NHL career. 

- Stanley Kay