Former Colorado Avalanche player Chris Simon dies, teammate Joe Sakic says he will be “sorely missed”

Chris Simon died at the age of 52. The former NHL player’s professional career included a stint with the Colorado Avalanche when they won the Stanley Cup in the 1990s.

Simon played his first three seasons with the Nordic Quebec. He remained with the team when the franchise moved to Denver, but left after the 1995-96 championship season. He then went on to play for several other teams, including the Washington Capitals and Calgary Flames. In 2016, Simon participated in the alumni game in an Avalanche uniform at the 2016 Coors Light Stadium Series.

Avalanche team president Joe Sakic released a statement describing Simon as a “dear teammate” who will be “dearly missed.”

“Chris was a really good hockey player who could score goals, had a great locker room presence and was the first person to stand up and defend his teammates,” Sakic said.

Simon passed away on Monday night.