Paul Boutilier, ex-NHLer from Sydney passes away
A former NHL player from Sydney, Nova Scotia has passed away. In a statement on social media, the NHL Alumni A...
surge105.caPaul Boutilier, the former NHL defenseman and Stanley Cup champion with the New York Islanders, has been reported as having passed away in mid-May 2026. Multiple outlets have cited the news, with official confirmations from hockey organizations noting his death at age 63; no cause of death has been publicly disclosed in initial reports.
Key points about Paul Boutilier
- NHL career: Played eight seasons (early 1980s), appearing for the Islanders, Bruins, North Stars, Rangers, and Jets, totaling 288 regular-season games with 110 points (27 goals, 83 assists) and additional playoff contributions.[1][3]
- Post-playing career: went on to coaching and development roles at various levels, including college, junior, and NHL-affiliated programs; served as a defensive consultant in junior hockey and had stints with multiple organizations (e.g., Nashville Predators development role).[2][5][1]
- Recent context: Reports indicate his involvement with the Moncton Wildcats as defensive consultant and his team successes in the QMJHL in 2025 prior to his passing.[2]
What this means for the hockey community
- Tributes and memorials are likely as teams and associations remember his contributions as a player and coach.[3][4]
- Coverage emphasizes his impact on defensive development and mentoring across levels of hockey, from the NHL to junior hockey.[5]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest specific tributes or memorial announcements from teams or leagues, or summarize his career highlights with exact dates and teams. Would you like a concise timeline or a brief obituary-style recap?