Chris Simon, who played 15 seasons in the NHL, died Monday. He was 52.
Selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round (No. 25) of the 1990 NHL Draft, the forward 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, and had 305 points (144 goals, 161 assists).
"Chris was a great teammate, linemate and friend," said Peter Bondra, who played in Washington for all of Simon's seven seasons there from 1996-2003. "Always kind. Have a lot of great memories with him, Rest in peace, Si."
Simon had 17 points (10 goals, seven assists) in 75 Stanley Cup Playoff games and helped 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 really good hockey player who could score goals, was a big presence in the dressing room and was the first person to stand up and defend his teammates. Off the ice he was an unbelievable guy and a caring father, son, brother and friend. He will be sorely missed."
Simon reached the Stanley Cup Final with the Capitals in 1998 and led them with 29 goals in 1999-2000. He also helped the Flames get to 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 said in a statement. "A fierce competitor and teammate, Simon won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 1996, and reached the 1998 Stanley Cup Final with Washington as well as the 2004 Stanley Cup Final with Calgary.
“Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and former teammates.”
