Clint Malarchuk on the three times he almost died: ‘God spared me for those that are still suffering’

By Tarik El-Bashir Nov 7, 2019 12
Clint Malarchuk played 338 NHL games for the Quebec Nordiques, Washington Capitals and Buffalo Sabres in the 1980s and early 90s, and survived one of the scariest sports injuries imaginable: a severed jugular vein during a game in 1989.

Malarchuk, who has battled obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety for most of his life, and post-traumatic stress disorder since the gruesome injury that threatened his life 30 years ago, has become a mental health advocate, spending the past several years helping others who are struggling in silence. He’s written a book, speaks publicly and, on Thursday night, will be featured in an NBC Sports Regional Networks documentary, HeadStrong: Mental Health and Sports. The hour-long documentary tells the story of elite athletes who have overcome mental health challenges.

Knowing what we know now, why do you think there is still a stigma attached to the words, “mental illness.”

We’re getting better with it.