Chris Simon, who spent 15 seasons in the NHL, died Monday. He was 52.
The forward was selected in the second round (No. 25) of the 1990 NHL Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. He played 782 regular-season games for the Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, New York Islanders, and Minnesota Wild, totaling 305 points (144 goals, 161 assists).
“Chris was a great teammate, linemate, and friend,” said Peter Bondra, who played with Simon in Washington for all seven seasons from 1996 to 2003. “Always kind. Have many wonderful memories with him. Rest in peace, Si.”
Simon had 17 points (10 goals, seven assists) in 75 Stanley Cup Playoff games, helping the Avalanche win the Cup in 1996.
“Chris was a great guy, a beloved teammate, and an important part of our first championship season,” Avalanche President and former teammate Joe Sakic said in a statement. “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. He’ll be sadly missed.
Simon helped the Capitals reach the Stanley Cup Final in 1998 and led the team in goals with 29 in 1999-2000. He also helped the Flames reach the Cup Final in 2004.
“The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Chris Simon, who played in more than 800 NHL games over 15 seasons,” the League stated in a statement. “Simon, a fierce competitor and teammate, won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 1996 and advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals with Washington in 1998 and Calgary in 2004.”
