A native of Minneapolis, Tom Kurvers began his 11-year NHL career in 1984-85 with the Montreal Canadiens after four successful seasons with the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. He would end his collegiate career in 1984, winning the Hobey Baker Award as the best player in the NCAA.
A skilled defenseman, Kurvers was selected 145th overall by the Canadiens in 1981 and went on to play 659 career games in the NHL with Buffalo, New Jersey, Vancouver, Toronto, New York Islanders, Anaheim, and, of course, the Canadiens, recording 93 goals and 421 points. He won the Stanley Cup with the Habs in 1986 after recording 30 points in 62 games.
He played his last season in professional hockey in 1995-1996 leading Tokyo's Seibu-Tetsudo Bears to the Japanese championship.
In 1998-99, he took on a scouting role with the Phoenix Coyotes under his former teammate and then GM of the club, Bobby Smith. After a few years scouting, and one year as assistant coach, he was promoted to director of player personnel in 2005. He then joined the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008 as assistant GM before returning to his native state in 2018 and serve as assistant general manager with the Minnesota Wild.
Kurvers is survived by his wife Heather and children Madison, Rose, Weston and Roman.
