Paul Boutilier obituary: former NHL defenseman and 1983 Stanley Cup champion has died at age 63. Hockey community pays tribute.
Former NHL defenseman Paul Boutilier, a Canadian ice hockey player known for his time in the 1980s and his role in a Stanley Cup-winning team, has passed away at the age of 63. His death was confirmed through announcements from the NHL Alumni Association, prompting tributes from across the hockey community.
Paul Boutilier was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1963. He went on to build a professional hockey career in the National Hockey League as a defenseman, playing during the 1980s for several teams including the New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, Minnesota North Stars, New York Rangers, and Winnipeg Jets.
One of the defining moments of his career came in 1983 when he was part of the New York Islanders organization during their Stanley Cup-winning era. That team is widely remembered as one of the most dominant dynasties in NHL history, and Boutilier’s involvement placed him within a historic period for the franchise.
Over the course of his NHL career, he played nearly 300 regular-season games and later remained involved in hockey through coaching and development roles after retiring from professional play. His experience and contributions extended beyond his playing years, influencing younger athletes and hockey programs.
At this time, no official cause of death has been publicly released. News of his passing has led to condolences from former teammates, fans, and members of the wider hockey world, honoring his contribution to the sport and his place in NHL history.
FAQ
Q: Who was Paul Boutilier?
A: He was a Canadian former NHL defenseman and Stanley Cup champion.
Q: How old was he when he died?
A: He was 63 years old.
Q: Which NHL teams did he play for?
A: He played for the New York Islanders, Boston Bruins, Minnesota North Stars, New York Rangers, and Winnipeg Jets.
Q: What was his biggest achievement?
A: Being part of the 1983 Stanley Cup-winning New York Islanders era.
Q: What was the cause of death?
A: No official cause of death has been released.