The NHL community is mourning the loss of two former players, Chris Simon and Konstantin Koltsov, who have recently passed away. Chris Simon, a former NHL enforcer known for his role in helping the Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 1996, has died at the age of 52. His death has sparked discussions about the dangers of repetitive head trauma and its link to neurodegenerative diseases, a topic that remains controversial within the sport. Simon's family, through his agent Paul Theofanous and ESPN's Kevin Weekes, stated that they believe CTE, resulting from his time in the NHL, played a significant role in his tragic death. Konstantin Koltsov, a former winger for the Pittsburgh Penguins and a coach in the KHL, also passed away at the age of 42. The hockey community has expressed deep sadness and condolences, highlighting the impact both individuals had on and off the ice.
Chris Simon’s family issued a statement through his agent Paul Theofanous via ESPN’s @KevinWeekes “The family strongly believes and witnessed firsthand that Chris struggled immensely from CTE which unfortunately resulted in his death.” https://t.co/30oOqFNuKk
Tragic stuff. I hope he donated his brain for CTE research. CTE does not care what sport created the serial brain rattling. And Bettman denying the connection to the NHL is grotesque. https://t.co/IZNl62b9xg
Chris Simon - confirmed - the big S.. Age 52. Avs legend @rageside24 @espn https://t.co/FWtgcEnS1D
A beast on the ice. So young RIP https://t.co/jYLF7L4I1c
Chris Simon And Konstantin Koltsov: NHL Mourns Back-To-Back Loss https://t.co/PiaPRZ3fqX
Another NHL enforcer departed far too young... https://t.co/dixDbnWf8W
Rest in peace Chris Simon and my condolences to his family and friends This is a stark reminder that a contributing factor to this tragedy was playing in a league that continues to deny a link between repetitive head trauma and neurodegenerative disease If you are a current… https://t.co/P0yOWgbEct
The NHL's statement on the passing of former Avalanche Chris Simon. #Avs #GoAvsGo @TheRinkColorado https://t.co/SbkeiIpkI0
Enforcers who played in the @NHL die 10 years earlier, on average, than other NHL players The enforcers died more often of suicide, drug overdoses, and neurodegenerative disorders (like Alzheimer’s) than did other NHL players. These causes of death are often linked to CTE and…
Sad news. Former #NYR and #Isles tough guy who helped Avalanche win #StanleyCup in 1996. Only 52 years old. #RIP https://t.co/IAQ6fns1PA
My heart goes out to all who knew Si. Had the pleasure to get to know him during his time with the Caps. He was incredibly thoughtful, soft-spoken and overcame much to achieve his goals and prove he was much more than just a tough guy. Will always have incredible respect for him https://t.co/SdatTAVpbI
Sadly, another early death for a former NHL enforcer. https://t.co/FkR1OgilDm
RIP to the former Flame. A very sad, shocking, sobering day for the sport. https://t.co/KKnki9f3MZ
.@DailyFaceoff obituary on Chris Simon's passing ⬇️ https://t.co/2hoHI86b4j
Sad to hear this. Grew up watching him with the 67s and the sky could’ve been the limit for a physical and gifted player who still had a strong NHL career. https://t.co/nz5IgvfHlI
So saddened to hear of former NHL enforcer Chris Simon taking his own life. I'm equally as sad that so many still can't recognize CTE and the danger of what these players did, and some still do. To those suggesting Matt Rempe should fight as much as possible, wake the bleep up!
Former Penguins Winger, KHL Coach Dies at 42 https://t.co/ZtFqqlYM2h
This is horrible news. Played with Koltsy for a couple years in Wilkes Barre and Pittsburgh. One of the fastest skaters I’ve ever seen and so funny. Especially with his accent and words he would use to chirp me. This is terrible. Thinking of his family at this awful time https://t.co/Z6Rbb18jJv