Former Sabres star Martin had chronic traumatic encephalopathy

Flashy Rick Martin was never going to be confused with an enforcer, achieving acclaim as a vaunted goal-scorer, not a fighter, in his glory days with the Buffalo Sabres.

But Martin, who died in March of a heart attack at age 59, was revealed to have had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated brain trauma, according to Boston University researchers in a report issued Wednesday.

The other two former NHL players diagnosed with CTE, post-mortem, were known for their formidable fighting abilities, Bob Probert and Reggie Fleming. Martin was said to have stage two of the disease — stage four being the most severe.

“Rick Martin’s case shows us that even hockey players who don’t engage in fighting are at risk for CTE, likely because of the repetitive brain trauma players receive throughout their career,” said Chris Nowinski, co-director of the Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.

Martin was part of the famed “French Connection” line along with Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert, scoring 382 goals in 681 games with the Sabres from 1971 to 1981. Martin’s career ended with the Kings after he was dealt to Los Angeles and played four games, scoring twice.

It was noted by researchers in the report that Martin’s only known concussion occurred in 1977 during a game when his head hit the ice. Martin, who was not wearing a helmet, suffered “immediate convulsions.”

— Lisa Dillman

Kings moves

The Kings made three roster moves in advance of Wednesday’s noon PDT deadline to set their roster for the season.

Defenseman Slava Voynov, who had an impressive training camp, was reassigned to Manchester (N.H.) of the American Hockey League. Defenseman Jake Muzzin was put on injured reserve and center Colin Fraser’s status was designated as injured non-roster. That’s reserved for players who don’t pass the training camp physical.

Fraser didn’t pass his physical because he was recovering from foot surgery he underwent this summer to repair an unhealed fracture. There has been no resolution of the Kings’ grievance against the Edmonton Oilers related to the trade that brought Fraser to Los Angeles. The Kings contend the Oilers misrepresented the extent of Fraser’s injury; both sides filed their positions with the NHL a while ago but the league has not yet ruled.

Also, Jeff Zatkoff will remain with the Kings for their first two games as their third goalie, an exemption given to teams that open the season in Europe. The Kings will face the New York Rangers on Friday in Stockholm and the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday in Berlin.

— Helene Elliott

Ducks moves

The Ducks set their season-opening roster, putting defenseman Matt Smaby on injured reserve because of a torn ligament in his right thumb.

Defenseman Toni Lydman will also start the season on injured reserve because he’s recovering from surgery on his right shoulder. He’s expected to return in time for the Ducks’ home opener, on Oct. 14 against San Jose.

The Ducks open their season Friday against Buffalo at Helsinki, Finland, and face the Rangers the next day at Stockholm.

The third goalie, Jeff Deslauriers, will stay with the team only for the games in Europe.

— Helene Elliott

Etc.

Sean Avery’s days with the Rangers appear over. The noted agitator cleared waivers and was assigned to the Connecticut Whale of the AHL. The move clears his $1.93-million salary from New York’s cap. … Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby skated with the team Wednesday but still doesn’t know when he will be able to play in a game. The star center has been sidelined since Jan. 5 because of post-concussion symptoms. … The Phoenix Coyotes signed enforcer Paul Bissonnette to a two-year contract extension. … New Jersey agreed with Petr Sykora to terms of a one-year deal, completing the former Devil’s bid to return to the NHL after an 18-month absence. The 34-year-old forward last played in the NHL for the Minnesota Wild in 2009-10 and came into New Jersey’s camp on a tryout basis.