Chris Simon Dies at Age 52; Played 15 Seasons in NHL, Won Stanley Cup with Avalanche

Chris Simon, a 15-year NHL veteran who played on the 1995-96 Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche, has died at the age of 52.

The NHL Players' Association confirmed the news Tuesday. Per Sportsnet, no cause of death has been provided.

Simon played for the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, New York Islanders and Minnesota Wild. During his 782 games, Simon amassed 144 goals and 161 assists.

Simon excelled on the 1996 Avs, who won the first Stanley Cup in franchise history. He posted 16 goals and 18 assists for the team. Simon also played on two Stanley Cup finalists in the 1997-98 Washington Capitals and 2003-04 Calgary Flames.

The intimidating enforcer also racked up 1,824 penalty minutes during his tenure. He was suspended eight times, most notably 30 games for stomping on Penguins forward Jarkko Ruutu's leg and 25 for cross-checking Rangers forward Ryan Hollweg in the face. Both occurred in 2007.

Simon, a member of the Ojibwa tribe, played five years in the KHL to cap his pro career, which ended in 2013.

A host of organizations, ex-teammates, fans and others mourned Simon's death:

Simon is survived by four children.