Former NHL and Team USA coach Tony Granato reveals he has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Tony Granato, a longtime NHL player and coach, has announced that he has been diagnosed with cancer and is stepping back from his current job as a broadcaster.

In a statement on Twitter, Granato announced his diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and that he would be 'taking a temporary leave of absence from NBC Sports Chicago and the Blackhawks broadcasts, as well as NHL Network' as he began treatment this week.

'I wish I could reach out to everyone individually, but felt like this was the best way to share the news,' Granato wrote. 

'My family, faith, and friends will be my strength to help me through my treatments. I appreciate all the love and support I have received already.

'With the holiday season here, cherish the times with your loved ones, as I know I will.'

Multiple NHL teams wished Granato well on Twitter in response to his statement.

Chicago tweeted out, 'Your Blackhawks family is with you,' while the New York Rangers said, 'The #NYR family is with you in your fight, Tony.'

The Buffalo Sabres wrote, 'The whole Sabres family is keeping you and your family in our thoughts. We're with you through this fight and are sending strength.'

'We're with you for the fight,' tweeted out the account for the University of Wisconsin's men's hockey program. 

Tony Granato is part of one of America's most accomplished hockey families. His sister, Cammi Granato, is an Olympic gold medalist and one of the greatest women's hockey players this country has ever produced. His younger brother, Don Granato, is currently the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres.

Tony was drafted 120th overall in the 1982 NHL Entry draft out of high school in Illinois by the New York Rangers.

He ended up playing his college career at the University of Wisconsin before eventually joining the Blueshirts.

In his first season in New York, the 1988-89 season, he led the team in goals with 36 - which remains the team record for goals scored by a rookie.

The following season he was dealt to the Los Angeles Kings and was a key contributor to their run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1993 - where they would lose to the Montreal Canadiens.

Granato suffered a serious head injury in a January 1996 game against the Hartford Whalers - which led to bleeding on the left lobe of his brain.

After undergoing surgery, he returned to the ice the following season with the San Jose Sharks - winning the Bill Masterton Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

He retired in the 2001 season, going on to join the Colorado Avalanche as an assistant coach in the 2002-03 campaign. Granato logged 774 NHL games, scoring 248 goals and 244 assists for 492 points as well as 1,425 penalty minutes.

Granato would have two separate tenures as head coach of the Avs - with roles as an assistant as well.

He put up 72 wins, 33 losses, and 17 ties across his first tenure consisting of the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons.

Granato was replaced by Joel Quinneville, but took over again once 'Coach Q' departed for Chicago. After posting an awful 32-45-5 record, Granato was fired again.

After his firing, Granato would serve on the coaching staffs with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings before returning to Wisconsin to coach their men's team.

Over the course of seven seasons, the Badgers made one NCAA tournament under Granato - losing in the first round to Bemidji State.

While at Wisconsin, he coached the United States national hockey team during the 2018 Winter Olympics in Peyongchang, South Korea. They finished 7th there and he was not chosen to return to the team for the 2022 Olympics in Beijing.

It was announced in March of 2023 that Granato would not return to his position for the 2023-24 campaign. He went 105-129-16 over the course of his seven career with the Badgers.