Chris Nilan Doesn’t Link Addiction or Illness With Fighting

In trying to make sense of the recent tragic, premature deaths of tough guys Wade Belak, Rick Rypien and Derek Boogaard, many have tried to connect the dots, find a direct connection between the scars left by the most thankless job in hockey and the hell of depression, addiction and pain none of them could overcome.

Nilan understands it. He just isn’t buying it.