Canadian ex-defenceman dies at 58

Former Montreal Canadiens defender Tom Curvers has died at the age of 58 of lung cancer.

The news was confirmed by Minnesota Wild, the team on which he served as assistant general manager.

“Tom’s passion and success in hockey can only be surpassed by his love and enthusiasm that he shares daily with his family and friends. Countless people he has made a positive impact on will be missed by his concern for others and his cheerful demeanor,” The Wild said in a statement.

Winner of the Hobey-Baker Trophy in the league ranks, Kurvers was drafted by the Habs in the seventh round of the 1981 draft. He played three seasons in blue, white, and red uniforms before being traded to the Buffalo Sabers in 1986 against a second-round pick in 1988. Prior to this The deal, he was part of the Stanley Cup champion roster the previous season, but did not play in the playoffs.

The American played a total of 659 National Hockey League (NHL) games with seven organizations. He got 421 points and got a 352-minute penalty.

Some will remember him primarily because he was involved in a deal that saw the New Jersey Devils acquire Scott Niedermayer. The Toronto Maple Leafs earned the 6-foot-1, 190-pound linebacker for a first-round pick at the 1991 auction, which ultimately ended up being third overall.