A source with the Nashville Predators confirmed the report, according to NHL.com. Belak finished his career with Nashville last season and had remained with the team in an organizational role.
Belak spent 14 seasons in the NHL with five different teams, including Nashville, Toronto, Calgary, Colorado and Florida.
The 35-year-old was originally drafted 12th overall by the Quebec Nordiques in 1994 and eventually appeared with the team for the first time after its move to Colorado. He was later traded to Calgary, where he spent parts of three seasons before being claimed off waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs. He then spent parts of seven seasons with Toronto from 2001 to 2008.
Belak retired in March.
He had hosted a series called The Wade Belak Show on Canada’s BiteTV and hosted a radio show on Nashville’s 104.5 “The Zone,” which was also titled The Wade Belak Show. He was scheduled to participate on CBC’s upcoming season of Battle of the Blades.
Belak is the third NHL enforcer to pass away in the last four months.
Rangers tough guy Derek Boogaard died of an accidental overdose in May, and Canucks forward Rick Rypien died when he reportedly committed suicide in his home just over two weeks ago.
According to reports, the cause of Belak’s death was not immediately known, although foul play was not suspected.
