Former NHL defenseman Steve Montador has died, according to multiple reports. He was 35 years old.
Mississauga News reported Sunday that Montador was found dead inside his Mississauga, Ontario, home Sunday morning. Peel Regional Police told the paper Montador was found by a female friend early Sunday morning. She called the police and Montador was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
There’s no suspicion of foul play, according to the report. The cause of death is still unknown at this point. The Hockey News cites the Peel Regional Police saying Montador died of “natural causes.”
Montador suffered multiple concussions during his career and was very open about his depression in 2013 during a run with the Chicago Blackhawks. However, he declared himself recovered from his depression issues.
“It’s just a real blessing, and I’m just filled with gratitude that my recovery’s brought me this far,” Montador said at the time, according to CSN Chicago. “Just every day is a brand new day, and there’s a lot of enjoyment. I love being around the guys, I’m glad to be on the road here. To feel myself get better out there, I’m just filled with a lot of gratitude.”
Montador spent parts of 10 seasons in the NHL and played 14 games with the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate in 2013. He also spent time with the Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres, Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins during his NHL career.
Photo via Rob Grabowski/USA TODAY Sports Images
