Longtime NHL defenseman Lyle Odelein died on Friday, Oct. 2. He was 58.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Odelein played 16 NHL seasons and won the Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1993.
No cause of death has been disclosed, but the NHL noted that the veteran hockey player dealt with a severe blood infection in 2018.
"The NHL Alumni Association is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Lyle Odelein. Lyle was one of those people who left an impression wherever he went," the
NHL Alumni Association wrote. "A fierce competitor on the ice and a loyal teammate and friend away from it, he brought toughness, heart, humor and an unmistakable passion to everything he did.""Over more than 1,000 NHL games, Lyle earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike. But his story went far beyond hockey.
Following his playing career, Lyle embraced life as a devoted family man and businessman," the statement continued. "When faced with an extraordinary health battle in 2018, one that included a coma, paralysis, organ transplants and a long rehabilitation, he showed the same determination and fighting spirit that had defined him throughout his life. His remarkable recovery was a testament to his resilience, courage and appreciation for life."
NHL Community Remembers Lyle Odelein
Odelein played for eight teams across his 16 seasons. Tributes from the franchises he suited up for have begun pouring in.
The Montreal Canadiens wrote in a statement that they are "saddened" to learn of his death, adding that "the organization wishes to offer its most sincere condolences to Lyle Odelein's family, friends and close ones."
The Pittsburgh Penguins also honored the late hockey player.
"The entire Penguins organization joins the NHL community in mourning the loss of defenseman Lyle Odelein. Lyle played over 1,000 career NHL games for eight teams. [He] ultimately called Pittsburgh home upon retirement. Our condolences go out to his wife, Laurel, their children and the Odelein family," the team wrote in an Instagram post.
"Lyle was known for his tough exterior on the ice. We will always remember his generous heart and enormous laugh," the Penguins wrote.
Odelein totaled 252 points (50G, 202A) and served 2,316 penalty minutes in 1,056 NHL games with the Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Phoenix Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers and Pittsburgh Penguins.
