NHL, Players Face Off in Next Round of Concussion Litigation

Lawyers for the National Hockey League and more than 150 retired players will spar March 16 at a crucial juncture in litigation over the league’s alleged failure to warn players of brain injury risk.

The hearing at the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota precedes a decision on whether the players’ claims will be litigated as a class.

Certifying two proposed classes could ratchet-up the NHL’s liability exposure, while a denial would leave players to litigate claims individually, sapping their collective leverage.

The potential price tag for the NHL also looms if class certification is eventually granted.

The National Football League ...