Former NHL winger and Stanley Cup champion Chris Simon has died at the age of 52. Several teams, including the Colorado Avalanche, announced Simon’s passing Tuesday.
Simon, a second-round pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1990 NHL Draft, became part of the blockbuster trade that sent Eric Lindros from the Quebec Nordiques to the Flyers. In 1995-96, after the Nordiques relocated to Denver and became the Colorado Avalanche, and Simon was on the team that won a Stanley Cup.
In that playoff run, Simon notched one goal and two assists in 12 games. Simon’s former Avalanche teammate and current team president, Joe Sakic, paid tribute to Simon Tuesday.
“Chris was a great guy, a beloved teammate and an important part of our first championship season,” Sakic said in a statement. “He was a really good hockey player who could score goals, was a big presence in the dressing room and was the first person to stand up and defend his teammates. Off the ice he was an unbelievable guy and a caring father, son, brother and friend. He will be sorely missed.”
Simon went on to play 782 games with seven different franchises over the course of 15 NHL seasons. In the 1999-00 season, when he was with the Washington Capitals, Simon garnered a few Hart Trophy votes when he tallied 29 goals and 20 assists in 75 games.
Throughout his entire career, Simon amassed 144 goals and 161 assists while also racking up 1,824 penalty minutes, which still ranks 67th all-time in NHL history.
The hockey world is mourning the loss of former NHL forward Chris Simon, who passed away at the age of 52. Simon, who was known for his physical style of play and scoring touch, had a successful career in the NHL that spanned over 15 seasons.
Born in Wawa, Ontario, Simon was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Quebec Nordiques in the 1992-1993 season and went on to play for several teams throughout his career, including the Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and Minnesota Wild.
Simon was a key contributor to the Colorado Avalanche’s Stanley Cup championship in 1996, scoring 15 goals and adding 10 assists in the playoffs. He was known for his physical play and willingness to drop the gloves when necessary, but he also had a knack for finding the back of the net and was a reliable scorer throughout his career.
Off the ice, Simon was known as a fierce competitor and a dedicated teammate. He was respected by his peers for his work ethic and leadership qualities, and he was beloved by fans for his passion for the game.
After retiring from professional hockey, Simon remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor to young players. He was passionate about giving back to the game that had given him so much and was dedicated to helping the next generation of hockey players achieve their dreams.
Simon’s passing has left a void in the hockey community, but his legacy will live on through the impact he made on the game and the lives of those who knew him. He will be remembered as a fierce competitor, a loyal teammate, and a beloved member of the hockey family.
Rest in peace, Chris Simon. You will be missed but never forgotten.
