NHL Player Paul Boutilier
Canadian hockey player Paul Boutilier of the New York Islanders skates with the puck, 1980s. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
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Former Stanley Cup Winner and NHL Defenseman Dies at 63

Former NHL defenseman Paul Boutilier, a Stanley Cup winner with the New York Islanders, has died at the age of 63.

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Former NHL defenseman Paul Boutilier has died at the age of 63.

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Boutilier spent five seasons with the New York Islanders during the 1980s and was part of the franchise's Stanley Cup-winning roster in 1983.

The NHL Alumni Association confirmed the news on Thursday.

No cause of death has been announced.

NHL Community Mourns Former Stanley Cup Winner

Boutilier's NHL career spanned from 1981 through to 1989.

During that stretch, he played for the Islanders, Boston Bruins, Minnesota North Stars, New York Rangers, and Winnipeg Jets.

"The NHL Alumni Association is deeply saddened to learn that Paul Boutilier has passed away at the age of 63," a statement read.

"We send our deepest condolences to Paul's family, friends, and former teammates during this incredibly difficult time."

Across his NHL career, Boutilier appeared in 288 regular-season games, scoring 27 goals and adding 83 assists.

He also featured in 41 playoff games, recording one goal and nine assists.

That lone postseason goal and seven of the assists came during the 1983-84 Stanley Cup run, when the Islanders reached the final before falling to the Edmonton Oilers.

Boutilier Stayed Involved in Hockey After Retirement

Before reaching the NHL, Boutilier played junior hockey with the Sherbrooke Castors in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.

The Islanders later selected him 21st overall in the 1981 NHL Draft.

Alongside his NHL career, the defenseman also spent time in the Central Hockey League, American Hockey League, International Hockey League, and Switzerland's National League.

Boutilier also represented Canada internationally at both junior and senior level.

He was part of the Canadian roster that won the 1982 World Junior Championships.

Following retirement, Boutilier "served in a multitude of coaching and front office positions across the collegiate, junior, and professional levels of hockey".

He later became head of the World Curling Tour and the World Curling Players' Association.

Away from the rink, Boutilier taught International Marketing at the University of Prince Edward Island.

He also worked as Director of Defence Development & Analytics for the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL.