Former Red Wings first-round pick Brent Peterson, who turned his hockey life into a long and public fight against Parkinson’s disease, died Friday in the Nashville area. He was 23 years into the battle after being diagnosed in 2002 while serving as an assistant coach for the Predators.
Peterson was the 12th overall pick by Detroit in 1978 and went on to play 620 NHL games, carving out a career as a dependable role player before becoming a much bigger figure in the hockey community through his advocacy. He and his wife, Tami, started the Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s in 2009, creating a source of financial support for people with the disease and for their caregivers and families.
The Predators said in a prepared statement: “Brent loved a good laugh and lived with the disease for 23 years, facing every day with a smile and a joke,” The Predators said in a prepared statement. “No matter what his battle brought to him that day.”
They also said: “Brent was a special person who meant so much to so many. His kindness, character and genuine care he showed for others left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.”
Peterson’s diagnosis brought awareness to Parkinson’s in hockey in a way that hadn’t existed before he spoke openly about it. He revealed the diagnosis and continued coaching in Nashville until 2011.
Detroit acknowledged his death in a post on September 11, 2026, writing: “We join Nashville in mourning the loss of Brent Peterson. Brent was a first round pick of the Red Wings in 1978 and spent parts of three seasons in Detroit. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and the entire Predators organization. ❤️ https://t.co/xcpaNwV3rz”
The Alberta native played parts of four seasons with the Red Wings from 1978-79 through 1981-82. His best year in Detroit came in 1980-81, when he had six goals and 18 assists for 24 points. He was also part of the major trade that sent him to Buffalo on Dec. 2, 1981, in the deal that brought Danny Gare to Detroit.
That trade cost the Red Wings three younger players, including Dale McCourt and Mike Foligno, plus Peterson, in exchange for Gare, defenseman Jim Schoenfeld and forward Derek Smith.
Peterson’s strongest two seasons came with the Sabres. In 1982-83, he posted 13 goals and 24 assists for 37 points. He finished his NHL career with 72 goals.
After four seasons in Buffalo, he moved on to Vancouver, where he played two seasons from 1985-87, and then closed out his career with the Hartford Whalers in 1987-88 and 1988-89. Known mostly as a strong penalty killer and defensive forward, Peterson left the game with a reputation that went well beyond his on-ice numbers.
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