Former NHLer Chris Simon has died, the NHL Players’ Association has confirmed to Sportsnet. Simon passed away Tuesday night. He was 52.

No cause of death has been provided.

Simon played with seven NHL franchises. He was drafted 25th overall by Philadelphia in 1990 out of the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League, but never played a game for the Flyers. Instead, he was included in the Eric Lindros trade along with five other players and two draft picks to the Quebec Nordiques.

“His children and family are grieving the sudden loss of their father, son, brother, friend and teammate,” the NHLPA said in an email. ​

Simon, from Wawa, Ont., started with the Nordiques in 1992 before moving with the franchise to Colorado. In 1996 he was traded to the Capitals, where he spent seven seasons. He later played with the Blackhawks, Rangers, Flames, Islanders and Wild. In 2008 he left to play in Russia’s KHL, where he spent five seasons.

A noted fighter, Simon accumulated 1,824 minutes in penalties during his 782 NHL-game career. He had 144 goals and 161 assists during that span.

Simon, who was Ojibwe and a member of the Michipicoten First Nation near Wawa, won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 1995.

Former NHL player Chris Simon passed away at the age of 52, leaving behind a legacy of both success and controversy in the world of professional hockey. Simon, who played for several teams throughout his career, including the Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche, and New York Islanders, was known for his physical style of play and his ability to score clutch goals when it mattered most.

Born in Wawa, Ontario, Simon was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut during the 1992-1993 season and quickly established himself as a tough and gritty forward who was not afraid to drop the gloves when necessary. Over the course of his 15-year career, Simon amassed over 1,800 penalty minutes and scored 144 goals and 161 assists in 782 regular-season games.

Despite his on-ice success, Simon’s career was marred by several incidents of on-ice violence that resulted in suspensions and fines from the league. In 2007, he was suspended for 30 games after stomping on the leg of Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jarkko Ruutu during a game. This incident, along with several others throughout his career, earned Simon a reputation as a controversial figure in the NHL.

Off the ice, Simon was known for his charitable work and his dedication to giving back to the community. He was involved in several philanthropic efforts, including working with organizations that supported underprivileged youth and promoting hockey in indigenous communities.

Simon’s passing has left a void in the hockey world, with many former teammates and fans mourning his loss. Despite his controversial reputation, he will be remembered for his passion for the game and his contributions to the sport. May he rest in peace.