The hockey world has been rocked again by another early passing this week. News came down on Tuesday afternoon that former NHL tough guy Chris Simon died at the age of 52. The sad news was confirmed by ESPN NHL insider and former goalie Kevin Weekes.
Sad day, as it’s been reported that we lost 2 @NHLAlumni members today. May they both rest in power. Condolences to their families, loved ones, and teammates. 💐🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾.#HockeyTwitter
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) March 19, 2024
Chris Simon Died at Age of 52
Simon played for seven different franchises in his 15-year NHL career. The Wawa, Ontario native was on the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Calgary Flames and Minnesota Wild. Simon played in 782 games and scored 144 goals and handed out 161 assists for 305 points. The Philadelphia Flyers originally drafted Simon in the second round, 25th overall of the 1990 NHL Draft. He was part of the historic Eric Lindros trade that included Peter Forsberg, Mike Ricci and Ron Hextall among others.
He was known for being a very physical player and willing to drop the gloves if needed. Simon racked 1,824 penalty minutes and sparred with numerous tough guys over his career in the NHL. However, he did score 29 goals in the 1999-2000 season with the Capitals. He missed most of the team’s Stanley Cup Playoff run, but played a large in the team reaching the Final. The veteran forward was suspended eight time for a total of 65 games.
Simon is of Ojibwa descent and was a role model to First Nations people in Canada. He played in the NHL, but also spent a number of seasons in the KHL in Russia.
What it Means
This is the second NHL death this week as Konstantin Koltsov passed away earlier in the week. Koltsov was the boyfriend of second-ranked tennis player Aryna Sabalenka. It’s been a rough week for the league in losing two former alumni.
We at the Last Word on Hockey send our condolences to Simon’s family and friends at this tough time.
Main photo by: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © James Lang
