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 ...