Chris Simon, a former Washington Capitals player, has died. He was 52.
Simon died Monday night in his hometown of Wawa, Ontario, according to an NHL Players’ Association official who spoke with the late forward’s agent on Tuesday. Simon’s lawyer, Paul Theofanous, did not respond to a message seeking additional information, and Ontario Provincial Police declined to comment on Simon’s death. The reason of death was not immediately known.
According to union spokesman Jonathan Weatherdon, Simon’s children and family are devastated by his sudden death.
Simon appeared in 857 regular-season and playoff games throughout 15 NHL seasons, from 1993 to 2008. Throughout his career, he fought over 100 times and accumulated 1,824 penalty minutes, ranking 67th in league history.
“For a big tough player, he was also a very kind, caring individual who was always respectful and grateful for advice,” former agent Larry Kelly told the Associated Press via text message.
Simon won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 1996 and advanced to the finals with the Washington Capitals in 1998 and Calgary in 2004. He also played for the Quebec Nordiques before they became the Avalanche, as well as Chicago, Calgary, Minnesota, the New York Rangers, and the Islanders, until retiring after five seasons in the KHL from 2008 to 2013.
“Chris was a great guy, a beloved teammate, and an important part of our first championship season,” said Joe Sakic, Colorado’s president of hockey operations who captained the team to victory in 1996. “He was a great hockey player who could score goals, had a strong presence in the locker room, and was the first to stand up and protect his teammates. Off the ice, he was an incredible person, a loving father, son, brother, and friend.”
Philadelphia drafted Simon in the second round of the 1990 draft and sent him to the Nordiques as part of the 1992 trade that got the Flyers prized prospect Eric Lindros.
Simon, who was of Ojibwa descent, was considered a role model for First Nations hockey players across Canada.
“Chris Simon was most definitely an intimidating guy on the ice,” former teammate Mike Commodore posted on social media. “We spent a lot of time together during Flames ’04 run since we were both living in the hotel. … He couldn’t have been nicer to me. RIP Chris. You will be missed.”
Simon was picked by the Flyers in the second round of the 1990 draft and traded to the Nordiques in 1992 in exchange for valued prospect Eric Lindros.
Simon, who was of Ojibwa origin, was regarded as a role model for First Nations hockey players throughout Canada.
“Chris Simon was most definitely an intimidating guy on the ice,” wrote former teammate Mike Commodore on social media. “We spent a lot of time together during the Flames’ 2004 run because we were both staying in the hotel. He couldn’t have been much kinder to me. Chris, rest in peace. “You’ll be missed.”
