Former NHLer Danny Dekeyser suing insurance company

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TJ Tucker
August 7, 2024 (1:44 PM)

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Danny Dekeyser, who spent his entire career with the Detroit Ref Wings, has launched a lawsuit against an insurance company claiming he's owed disability payments

A now retired NHLer has launched a lawsuit against the insurance company HCC Life Insurance Company claiming he's owed close to $700,000 in disability payment. Danny Dekeyser now works as a real estate agent in Michigan.

Dekeyser spent his entire NHL career, which began in 2013 and ended in 2022, with the Detroit Red Wings. He attempted a comeback with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL in 2022-23 seasons, but was only able to play three games before a nagging back injury forced his retirement. The Detroit News states Dekeyser's lawsuit seek $680,000 in payments the insurance company is allegedly refusing to pay.

"The purpose of this case is to compel Defendant HCC Life Insurance Company to provide certain long-term disability benefits in the amounts and at the coverage levels promised, as well as for an accounting, and an award of attorney fees and costs incurred as a consequence of Defendant's failure to do so."

Dekeyser signed a six-year deal worth $30 million with the Red Wings in 2016. After playing just eight games in the 2019-20 season, pain in his left foot and lower back kept him on the sidelines for the rest of the year while he underwent surgery. Dekeyser played 47 games the next season, and then another 59 in 2021-22, after which his contract with the red Wings ran out.

The insurance company has yet to file a response to Dekeyser's claim, and nothing has been proven in court.