Former NHLers Spread Conspiracy Theories On Adam Johnson's Death

The passing of Nottingham Panthers Forward Adam Johnson has led to unsourced social media conspiracies regarding the nature of Johnson's death, with many questioning the intent of Sheffield Steelers Defenseman Matt Petgrave, the player in question who's skate connected with the throat of Johnson.

No evidence at this time has suggested any sort of intent to commit bodily harm, or to kill Johnson, although posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, have led to claims the act was intentional, without evidence. Former NHLers, such as Chris Therien, an NHL Veteran of the Philadelphia Flyers & Dallas Stars, with over 700 NHL Games, questioned the validity of whether or not the play was accidental. Claiming the play, in which Petgrave's foot extends and connects with Johnson's neck.

Fellow Former NHLer Marc Methot replied to Therien, disputing the idea the play was intentional, but calling the incident reckless.

Daniel Carcillo, outspoken on social media, said he didn't believe Petgrave meant to hit Johnson's throat, but believed the act was meant to injure Johnson. Carcillo did not back up his claim with evidence. Longtime former NHLer Arron Asham agreed with Carcillo in response.

Other NHLers took to Petgrave's defense, including Matthew Barnaby, who spoke to members of the Sheffield Steelers, saying the team is "distraught" and believes the incident was not intentional.

Video of the incident viewed by Daily Hockey Dose was unable to confirm Therien's claim that the kick looked intentional, with no evidence to suggest a premeditated attempt at bodily harm on Petgrave's part. As to whether or not an intent to injure took place was not able to be deduced from the footage of the play.

The most popular Tweet on the incident is from the account 'End Wokeness', with over 1.8M followers, claimed the media was "covering up" the incident, mentioning Petgrave's history of penalties. The post garnered over 31K likes, with over 11M impressions. All these accounts are subscribed to X Premium, and can financially profit from the unsubstantiated claim.

South Yorkshire Police are currently investigating Adam Johnson's death, but no evidence has been presented to suggest any malicious intent in regards to his death, or that any act was premeditated. Johnson, 29, was in his first season with the Nottingham Panthers. He played 13 NHL Games with the Pittsburgh Penguins.