Former NHL winger and Stanley Cup champion Chris Simon has died on the age of 52. A number of groups, together with the Colorado Avalanche, introduced Simon’s passing Tuesday.

Simon, a second-round choose by the Philadelphia Flyers within the 1990 NHL Draft, turned a part of the blockbuster commerce that despatched Eric Lindros from the Quebec Nordiques to the Flyers. In 1995-96, after the Nordiques relocated to Denver and have become the Colorado Avalanche, and Simon was on the staff that gained a Stanley Cup.

In that playoff run, Simon notched one purpose and two assists in 12 video games. Simon’s former Avalanche teammate and present staff president, Joe Sakic, paid tribute to Simon Tuesday.

“Chris was a terrific man, a beloved teammate and an essential a part of our first championship season,” Sakic mentioned in an announcement. “He was a very good hockey participant who might rating objectives, was a giant presence within the dressing room and was the primary individual to face up and defend his teammates. Off the ice he was an unbelievable man and a caring father, son, brother and good friend. He might be sorely missed.”

Simon went on to play 782 video games with seven completely different franchises over the course of 15 NHL seasons. Within the 1999-00 season, when he was with the Washington Capitals, Simon garnered a number of Hart Trophy votes when he tallied 29 objectives and 20 assists in 75 video games.

All through his complete profession, Simon amassed 144 objectives and 161 assists whereas additionally racking up 1,824 penalty minutes, which nonetheless ranks 67th all-time in NHL historical past.