The former Nashville Predators team captain Greg Johnson was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy after his death following an analysis of brain tissue post-mortem.

The diagnosis was announced on Wednesday by both Johnson's widow, Kristen, and his daughters, Carson and Piper, through the Concussion Legacy Foundation.

Johnson, from Thunder Bay, Ontario, committed suicide five years ago at the age of 48 after a 14-season career in the National Hockey League.

He was the second captain in Predators history, playing from 1998 to 2006. He also played for the Detroit, Chicago, and Pittsburgh teams.

Kristen Johnson said in a statement that the diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy "took her breath away" and that Greg Johnson had experienced very few symptoms, but he often spoke about his concussions.

CTE is a degenerative disease that affects individuals who have suffered repeated concussions or brain injuries.