Montreal Canadiens defenceman Lyle Odelein, who won a Stanley Cup in 1993, dead at 58

He ranked second in franchise history with 1,357 penalty minutes, and led the team in that category in each of his six seasons with the team.

The seventh-round pick of the Canadiens in 1986 played a career 1,056 NHL games with Montreal, New Jersey, Phoenix, Columbus, Chicago, Dallas and Pittsburgh.

“The entire Canadiens organization is saddened to learn of the passing of Lyle Odelein, who passed away Friday at the age of 58,” the Canadiens said in a statement.

“The organization wishes to offer its most sincere condolences to Lyle Odelein’s family, friends and close ones.”

Odelein was the first captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets when the team joined the NHL in 2000.

“Lyle is a significant part of our history, serving as our first captain and helping us celebrate our 25th season in March,” the Blue Jackets wrote in a social media post on X on Saturday.

“He left an indelible mark on our organization and on our community. On the ice, Lyle was a fierce competitor and a Stanley Cup champion. Off the ice, he was warm, kind and quick with a smile and a kind word. He was a friend to all who knew him and will be sorely missed.”

The Penguins also lamented Odelein’s passing Saturday in social media posts.

“Lyle was known for his tough exterior on the ice, but we will always remember his generous heart and enormous laugh,” the team wrote.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 3, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Montreal Canadiens defenceman Lyle Odelein, who won a Stanley Cup in 1993, dead at 58

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