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Chris Simon

Chris Simon was a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) and later in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Chris Simon was a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) and later in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He was known as a physical, enforcer-style player and won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996. Simon was born in Wawa, Ontario, and died in 2024 at age 52.

Early life

Chris Simon was born in Wawa, Ontario, and came through Canadian junior hockey before being drafted into the NHL. He was of Ojibwe descent according to some biographical sources.

NHL career

Simon played for several NHL teams, including Quebec/Colorado, Washington, Chicago, New York, Calgary, and Minnesota. He was valued for size, toughness, and physical play, and he helped Colorado win the Stanley Cup in 1996.

Later career

After leaving the NHL, Simon continued his professional career in the KHL. He retired from professional hockey in 2013.

Death and legacy

Simon died in 2024 at age 52. NHL and media coverage after his death highlighted his reputation as a hard-nosed player and raised discussion of brain health and CTE in hockey.

Key facts

  • Simon played more than 800 NHL games over 15 seasons.
  • He won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996.
  • He was selected 25th overall in the 1990 NHL Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers.
  • He was known for a physical style of play and an enforcer role.
  • He died in March 2024 at age 52.
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Canadian context

Simon was born in Wawa, Ontario, and spent his entire top-level career as a Canadian hockey player in leagues closely followed by Canadian audiences, including the NHL and later the KHL.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Chris Simon?
Chris Simon was a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played in the NHL and KHL.
What teams did Chris Simon play for in the NHL?
He played for the Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, New York Islanders, and Minnesota Wild.
Did Chris Simon win the Stanley Cup?
Yes. He won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996.
When did Chris Simon retire?
He retired from professional hockey in 2013 after playing in the KHL.
When did Chris Simon die?
He died on March 18, 2024, at age 52.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Simon
    Supports: Birth date, death date, nationality, position, NHL teams, draft selection, general career overview.
  2. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/news/chris-simon-dead
    Supports: NHL career length, teams, Stanley Cup win, draft position, career points, and official league tribute.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39766825/former-nhl-winger-chris-simon-dies-age-52
    Supports: Death at age 52, family statement, career totals, and context surrounding his death.
  4. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/8882/chris-simon
    Supports: Birthplace, position, physical profile, draft details, and playing career summary.