Former Florida Panthers defenceman Steve Montador died in his home on Sunday at age 35 according to a report from ESPN.
Montador was found unconscious after a 2 a.m. emergency call before being pronounced dead shortly after. No foul play is suspected but an autopsy will be performed anyway due to Montador's young age. Suicide is not suspected either but a cause of death is not known at this time.
"On behalf of the players and staff, we send our thoughts and prayers to Steve's family and his many friends. He will be greatly missed," NHL Players Association executive director Don Fehr said in a statement.
Montador played for the Panthers from 2005-2008 and had 38 points overall. His best season with Florida came in 2007-08 when Montador amassed eight goals and 15 assists across 73 games.
Prior to his time in Florida, Montador played for the Calgary Flames. After Florida, Montador spent time with the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres and Chicago Blackhawks. His final year in the NHL came in 2011-12 with Chicago and it was cut short by a concussion.
In his NHL career, Montador had a total of 33 goals and 98 assists. He also went to the playoffs four times and tallied three goals there.
Last year, Montador played overseas with Zegreb Medvescak of the European Kontinental Hockey League.
