Lyle Odelein Dies at Age 58, Blue Jackets' 1st Captain Won NHL Stanley Cup in 1993

Former NHL defenseman Lyle Odelein died Friday at the age of 58, the league announced.

Odelein spent 16 seasons in the NHL and suited up for eight teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Phoenix Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers and Pittsburgh Penguins. He won the 1993 Stanley Cup with the Canadiens before becoming the first captain in Blue Jackets franchise history.

In 1,056 NHL games, Odelein scored 252 points (50 goals, 202 assists) and racked up 2,316 penalty minutes, which ranks 30th in league history. He played in 86 career playoff games and scored 18 points (five goals, 13 assists).

The NHL noted that Odelein "valiantly battled myriad, life-threatening health issues eight years ago, undergoing the replacement of his heart's aortic valve and receiving a new liver and kidneys in a marathon surgical procedure on April 4, 2018, in Pittsburgh." He managed to take part in the special Bell Centre ceremony on Oct. 11, 2018, where the Canadiens celebrated their 1993 Stanley Cup title.

"I grew up in Saskatchewan as a Canadiens fan, so playing there for six and a half years was … wow!" Odelein told reporters at the ceremony. "It was so special. The French people treated me like a god. I can't say enough about Montreal. It is by far my favorite city, best memories in the world. For me to be there (at the ceremony) is just awesome. I just want to say thank you so much to the fans and God bless. Everybody in Montreal treated me like a king. I don't even know what to say. Montreal was my city. It was phenomenal. I feel basically so blessed that I've been given a new life. It's great."