ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Three lawsuits filed by retired NHL players over concussion-related injuries have been consolidated and will be heard by a federal judge in Minnesota.

A special panel assigned the cases Tuesday to U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson of St. Paul.

The order says Minnesota provides a central location for parties and witnesses, including those from Canada. It consolidates lawsuits filed by more than 200 former players in Minnesota, New York and Washington. It notes that Nelson is already presiding over one of the cases. The order says two similar cases pending in Minnesota and New York may be added later.

The lawsuits are similar to those on behalf of ex-NFL players, which resulted in an $870 million settlement. The NCAA agreed to a $70 million settlement in another concussion lawsuit.

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