Former NHL player Lyle Odelein dies at the age of 58
6 october 2026 в 09:37
Former NHL player Lyle Odelein has passed away at the age of 58. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, he died on Friday, October 2, from a heart attack, although the official cause of death had not been announced at the time of publication.
The NHL Alumni Association expressed its condolences, noting that Odelein made an impression wherever he went. «He was a fierce competitor on the ice and a loyal friend off it, bringing strength, heart, humor, and genuine passion to everything he did», - the association stated. Odelein played over 1,000 games in the NHL, earning respect from both teammates and opponents.
During his career from 1989 to 2006, he played for eight teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 1993. Odelein is survived by his wife, Laurel, and three children. The association also emphasized that he was a «dedicated family man and businessman».
In March 2018, Odelein survived a near-fatal blood infection after being pricked by cactus needles during a golf trip in Arizona. He underwent nearly 24 hours of surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma. Doctors did not expect him to recover; however, he managed to recuperate, although he remained paralyzed for some time.
Following his death, many of Odelein’s former teams expressed their condolences on social media. «The entire Pittsburgh Penguins organization joins the NHL community in mourning the loss of defenseman Lyle Odelein», - they wrote on X. The team also noted that while Odelein was known for his tough play, his generous heart and big laugh would be remembered.
The NHL Alumni Association expressed its condolences, noting that Odelein made an impression wherever he went. «He was a fierce competitor on the ice and a loyal friend off it, bringing strength, heart, humor, and genuine passion to everything he did», - the association stated. Odelein played over 1,000 games in the NHL, earning respect from both teammates and opponents.
During his career from 1989 to 2006, he played for eight teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 1993. Odelein is survived by his wife, Laurel, and three children. The association also emphasized that he was a «dedicated family man and businessman».
In March 2018, Odelein survived a near-fatal blood infection after being pricked by cactus needles during a golf trip in Arizona. He underwent nearly 24 hours of surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma. Doctors did not expect him to recover; however, he managed to recuperate, although he remained paralyzed for some time.
Following his death, many of Odelein’s former teams expressed their condolences on social media. «The entire Pittsburgh Penguins organization joins the NHL community in mourning the loss of defenseman Lyle Odelein», - they wrote on X. The team also noted that while Odelein was known for his tough play, his generous heart and big laugh would be remembered.
© Artemenko Olga
