Eric Lindros: Concussions changed the way I played in the NHL

Former Flyers and Rangers forward Eric Lindros recently admitted that concussions that he suffered early in his career changed the way he played hockey.

Former Flyers and Rangers forward Eric Lindros says that concussions he suffered early in his career changed the way he played hockey.

In a recent interview with The Hockey News, Lindros said that concussions instilled fear in him while he was playing in games.

“I certainly did not play as well during the latter stages of my career,” Lindros said. “I hated going through the middle. I had huge fears. It’s tough going from being so assertive —you never show any cracks—to having an ‘X’ on your back.

“Players who would have never spoken or taken liberties in the past, it was happening all the time. I had a fear of cutting through the middle. Absolutely. Could I still shoot and pass? I could still score, but it wasn’t the same game.”

In eight seasons with the Flyers, Lindros was officially diagnosed with six concussions. After sitting out the 2000–01 season, he played three seasons with the Rangers, one with the Maple Leafs and one with the Stars before retiring.

In 760 career games, Lindros totaled 372 goals and 865 points.

– Kenny Ducey