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Hockey world mourns the loss of longtime player at age 63

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Sam Walker
December 15, 2025 (5:01 PM)

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The hockey community is in disbelief as news breaks that Paul Gagné has died at 63, leaving behind a legacy many fans remember for its grit and heart. Gagné's passing on Sunday was confirmed by the NHL Alumni Association, which said the former NHL forward had passed away peacefully.

Paul Gagné was born on February 6, 1962, in Iroquois Falls, Ontario, and he reached the NHL as a first-round draft pick, 19th overall, by the Colorado Rockies in the 1980 Entry Draft.

He made his NHL debut on October 11, 1980, and scored his first goal a day later, giving fans an early glimpse of the offensive spark he could bring.

In an era defined by hard hits and tight checking, Gagné stood out with his quick release and tenacity. He played 390 NHL games over a decade, tallying 110 goals and 101 assists while wearing the jerseys of the Rockies, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Islanders.

Gagné never hoisted the Stanley Cup, but he carved out a place in the hearts of fans who followed his career through ups and downs. After his NHL days, he continued playing professionally in Europe and later gave back to the game through coaching and development camps in Ontario.

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Remembering Paul Gagné's NHL impact

Fans across generations recall Gagné as one of those players you cheered for if you appreciated effort over flash and grit over glam. His best NHL season came in 1980-81 with the Rockies, when he scored 25 goals and 41 points as a teenager trying to lift a struggling club.

There's also a sense of gratitude that his post-playing life kept him close to the sport, mentoring young players and staying connected to communities that shaped him. Many former teammates and coaches shared memories on social media, celebrating a life devoted to hockey.

Gagné's passing leaves a void in hockey circles from coast to coast; he was more than a stat line, he was a bridge between eras and a reminder of what it means to compete with heart. He will be remembered long after the final buzzer of his life.

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POLL
DECEMBRE 15 \| 74 ANSWERS Hockey world mourns the loss of longtime player at age 63 Do you think Paul Gagné's NHL career is underrated?
Yes	29	39.2 %
No	23	31.1 %
Unsure	20	27 %
Remember fondly	2	2.7 %
List of polls

Hockey world mourns the loss of longtime player at age 63

The hockey community is in disbelief as news breaks that Paul Gagné has died at 63, leaving behind a legacy many fans remember for its grit and heart. Gagné's passing on Sunday was confirmed by the NHL Alumni Association, which said the former NHL forward had passed away peacefully.

Remembering Paul Gagné's NHL impact

Do you think Paul Gagné's NHL career is underrated?