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Lyle Odelein, a former Montreal Canadiens blue-liner who helped the franchise capture a Stanley Cup championship in 1993, has passed away at 58.
The team announced the news of Odelein’s passing in an official statement on Saturday.
According to a Saturday report from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Odelein’s cause of death was a heart attack. He concluded his 16-year NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2005-06 season and subsequently resided in that region.
Hailing from Quill Lake, Saskatchewan, Odelein recorded 20 goals alongside 75 assists over 420 appearances for Montreal from 1990 to 1996.
He holds the second-highest total for penalty minutes in team history with 1,357, having topped the roster in penalty minutes during all six of his seasons in Montreal.
Originally drafted by the Canadiens in the seventh round in 1986, he ultimately skated in 1,056 NHL contests, representing Montreal, New Jersey, Phoenix, Columbus, Chicago, Dallas, and Pittsburgh.
“The Montreal Canadiens organization is deeply saddened by the loss of Lyle Odelein, who passed away on Friday at the age of 58,” the club shared in their statement.
“Our franchise extends its deepest sympathies to Lyle Odelein’s family, friends, and loved ones during this time.”
When the Columbus Blue Jackets entered the NHL in 2000, Odelein was named the franchise’s inaugural captain.
“Lyle holds an important place in our team’s history as our inaugural captain and someone who joined us to mark our 25th anniversary in March,” the Blue Jackets expressed in a post on X on Saturday.
“He made a lasting impression on our franchise as well as our local community. On the ice, Lyle was an intense competitor and a Stanley Cup winner. Off it, he possessed a generous, friendly spirit, always ready with a smile and encouraging words. He was a true friend to everyone he met and will be deeply missed.”
The Penguins also shared their grief over Odelein’s death in social media updates on Saturday.
“While Lyle was famous for playing tough on the ice, we will forever cherish his kind spirit and booming laugh,” the team shared.
