Remembering Chris Simon: NHL Veteran and Stanley Cup Winner Passes Away at 52

Chris Simon, Former NHL Journeyman and Stanley Cup Champion, Dead at 52

Chris Simon. Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Chris Simon, a former NHL player who skated for seven different hockey teams, passed away at the age of 52. The NHL Alumni Association announced his death on Tuesday, March 19, but did not disclose the cause.

Chris always stood up for his teammates and was a valuable presence in the dressing room, according to a statement from the Association. He was cherished as a friend, father, brother, and son.

In closing, the post expressed heartfelt sympathies to Chris' family, friends, and former teammates as they navigate through this challenging period.

Simon was selected as the 25th overall pick in the 1990 NHL Draft by the Quebec Nordiques. He later made his NHL debut during the ‘92-’93 season.

He continued his career with the franchise when the Nordiques relocated to Denver and became the Colorado Avalanche. Simon achieved the milestone of winning a Stanley Cup with the team in 1996.

After his Cup-winning season, Simon signed with the Washington Capitals, where he spent the next six-and-a-half seasons before a stint with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Chris Simon, Former NHL Journeyman and Stanley Cup Champion, Dead at 52

Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images

Simon also spent time with the New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, New York Islanders and Minnesota Wild before his NHL career came to an end.

The NHL Players’ Association sent an email about Simon’s death on Tuesday, expressing that his children and family are mourning the sudden loss of their loved one.

According to documents obtained by the Ottawa Citizen, Simon filed for bankruptcy in May 2017. The documents revealed that he had missed over three years of child support payments, amounting to more than $128,000.

Simon mentioned in the documents that he couldn't find a job because of the serious brain injury he got from playing hockey.

According to a doctor mentioned in the bankruptcy papers, Simon also dealt with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and arthritis in various parts of his body like his shoulder, hand, knees, back, and neck.

The news of Simon’s death comes shortly after another hockey tragedy. Former Pittsburgh Penguins winger Konstantin Koltsov passed away at the age of 42, reportedly by suicide on March 18.

Investigators shared that on March 18, 2024, around 12:39 a.m., Bal Harbour Police and Fire Rescue responded to a distress call at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. The call was regarding a male who had jumped from a balcony, as stated by the Miami-Dade Police Department in a message to We.

In addition to his hockey career, Koltsov was the boyfriend of world No. 2 tennis player Aryna Sabalenka.

Editor's P/S:

The passing of Chris Simon, a former NHL player, is a tragic loss to the hockey community. His legacy as a fierce competitor and a valued teammate will be remembered. Despite his on-ice success, Simon faced personal challenges after his retirement, including financial difficulties and health issues. His story highlights the importance of supporting former athletes who may struggle with the transition to life after their playing days.

The news of Simon's death comes on the heels of another recent tragedy in the hockey world, the suicide of Konstantin Koltsov. These events serve as a reminder of the mental health challenges that can affect athletes, both during and after their careers. It is imperative that resources and support systems are available to help those who are struggling. transition out of professional sports.