Lyle Odelein, Canadiens Champion, Blue Jackets Captain, Dies

Lyle Odelein died Friday at age 58. The Montreal Canadiens stated: "The entire Canadiens organization is saddened to learn of the passing of Lyle Odelein, who passed away Friday at the age of 58." He won the Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1993, was drafted by them seventh round (141st) in 1986 from Quill Lake, Saskatchewan, and later served as first captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets after the 2000 Expansion Draft until a March 2002 trade to Chicago. He played 1,056 games with 50 goals, 252 points and 2,316 penalty minutes for Montreal, New Jersey, Phoenix, Columbus, Chicago, Dallas, Florida and Pittsburgh, plus 18 points in 86 playoff games. The Blue Jackets said he was a significant part of their history as first captain, a fierce competitor and Stanley Cup champion who was warm, kind and quick with a smile. The Penguins said he was known for his tough exterior on the ice but they will always remember his generous heart and enormous laugh. His final season was 2005-06 with Pittsburgh (27 games) due to knee injury before he retired. Contested: none found.