Former NHL player, Predators coach Brent Peterson dies after Parkinson's battle

SportsFormer Nashville Predators assistant coach Brent Peterson died Friday after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease, the Predators announced. He was 68. Peterson also played 12 seasons in the NHL from 1978-89. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)APFormer NHL player and coach Brent “Petey” Peterson died Friday after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 68. Peterson’s death was announced by the Nashville Predators, with whom he spent 12 seasons as an assistant coach under Barry Trotz from the franchise’s inaugural season in 1998 to 2011.“We are incredibly saddened by the passing of our dear friend Brent Peterson,” the Predators wrote in a post to X. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and all those who knew Petey.”Peterson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2002. He launched the Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s in 2009 to provide resources and support for those living with Parkinson’s, according to the organization’s website. Peterson was forced to retire from coaching in 2011 due to the advancement of his Parkinson’s disease.“It’s a lot of fun, it’s a lot of work, it’s a lot of stress, but we want to do these things,” Peterson said in 2025 about his Foundation’s efforts, according to NHL.com. “We want to raise as much money as we can, to help as many people as we can.”After his coaching career, Peterson joined the Predators’ broadcast team as a radio color commentator alongside Peter Weber.“In addition to serving as a beacon to so many involved in the fight against Parkinson’s, Brent served as an inspiration to hundreds of Predators players, coaches and staff members for nearly 30 years,” the Predators said in their statement.Prior to coaching with Nashville, Peterson served as an assistant coach with the Hartford Whalers and the WHL’s Portland Winter Hawks. Peterson played 12 seasons in the NHL from 1978–89 for the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks and Whalers. He was drafted by the Red Wings in the first round of the 1978 NHL Draft. For his career, Peterson had 213 points (72 goals, 141 assists) in 620 games.Peterson is survived by his wife, Tami, and their children, Brad and Kristin.Zach Mentz is Trending Sports Reporter for cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer and its parent company, Advance Local. His past interviews include NFL Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson, Heisman Trophy winner Ricky...