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 crew 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 crew president, Joe Sakic, paid tribute to Simon Tuesday.

“Chris was an awesome man, a beloved teammate and an necessary a part of our first championship season,” Sakic mentioned in a press release. “He was a very good hockey participant who may 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 pal. He will likely be sorely missed.”

Simon went on to play 782 video games with seven totally different franchises over the course of 15 NHL seasons. Within the 1999-00 season, when he was with the Washington Capitals, Simon garnered just a few 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.