from Kevin Allen of USA TODAY,

Former Nashville Predators captain Greg Johnson, known for his soft-spoken, affable demeanor, died Monday morning at his home, according to a family friend.

The friend asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to disclose the information.

No cause of death was provided.

Johnson, 48, was taken by the Predators in the expansion draft. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round in 1989, though he never played for them and was traded to the Detroit Red Wings. After four years at the University of North Dakota and appearances with the Canadian National Team, he began his NHL career with the Red Wings in 1993-94.

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