In January 1996, while playing for the LA Kings, Granato was checked by an opponent. He didn't think much of it at the time. After about a month of constant head aches found out that he had a blood clot in his brain. He then underwent surgery to remove the life threatening blood clot. He later went on to make a complete recovery. But after the season was over he was released by the Kings. Later in the summer the Sharks signed him as a free agent. Tony was awarded the Bill Masterton Trophy the next summer. Many people didn't know if he would survive the operation, let alone resume his ice hockey career. He hasn't missed a step ever since then. He still plays his usual, annoying style of hockey that opponents hate.