Former Canadiens defenceman Lyle Odelein dies at age 58

MONTREAL · Former Montreal Canadiens defenceman Lyle Odelein, a Stanley Cup champion in 1993, has died at the age of 58. The Canadiens confirmed his death in a statement on Saturday. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Odelein died of a heart attack. He passed away on Friday.

The Canadiens said they were saddened by the news. "The entire Canadiens organization is saddened to learn of the passing of Lyle Odelein, who passed away Friday at the age of 58," the team said in a statement. "The organization wishes to offer its most sincere condolences to Lyle Odelein's family, friends and close ones." Odelein, from Quill Lake, Sask., played 420 games for Montreal between 1990 and 1996, scoring 20 goals and adding 75 assists. He ranked second in franchise history with 1,357 penalty minutes, leading the team in that category in each of his six seasons. A seventh-round pick of the Canadiens in 1986, he played 1,056 career NHL games for seven teams.

He was the first captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets when the team joined the NHL in 2000. "Lyle is a significant part of our history, serving as our first captain and helping us celebrate our 25th season in March," the Blue Jackets wrote in a social media post. "He left an indelible mark on our organization and on our community. On the ice, Lyle was a fierce competitor and a Stanley Cup champion. Off the ice, he was warm, kind and quick with a smile and a kind word." The Pittsburgh Penguins, where Odelein played his final NHL season in 2005-06 and lived afterwards, also paid tribute. "Lyle was known for his tough exterior on the ice, but we will always remember his generous heart and enormous laugh," the Penguins wrote.

With files from CBC News, Sportsnet and The Globe and Mail