The hockey world is mourning the loss of former NHL forward Paul Gagne, who passed away at the age of 63 following a battle with cancer.
A Career Spanning Continents
Gagne, a native of Iroquois Falls, Ontario, enjoyed a professional career that lasted nearly two decades. He was a first-round pick, selected 19th overall by the Colorado Rockies in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. Over his NHL tenure, he suited up for 390 games, amassing 110 goals and 101 assists for 211 points. Beyond the Rockies, his NHL journey included stints with the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders.
His connection to the Toronto Maple Leafs came during the 1988-89 season, where he played 16 games, recording three goals and two assists. That same season, he was a dominant force for the Leafs' AHL affiliate, the Newmarket Saints, leading the team in scoring with 74 points.
Post-Playing Life and Legacy
After concluding his NHL career, Gagne continued playing professionally in Europe, with his final season coming in 1998-99 with Biel HC in Switzerland. His championship pedigree was cemented in 1990 when he helped the Springfield Indians capture the American Hockey League's Calder Cup. He also represented Canada, playing in four consecutive Spengler Cup tournaments from 1992 to 1996.
Upon retiring as a player, Gagne transitioned behind the bench, sharing his knowledge as a coach in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) with the Iroquois Falls Eskimos and the Timmins Rock.
Remembering a Hockey Life
Paul Gagne's most productive NHL season was in 1984-85 with the Devils, where he posted 43 points (24 goals, 19 assists) in 79 games. He is survived by his wife, Brenda, and their two children, Martine and Steven.
The news of his passing has resonated across the hockey community, particularly in Ontario, where he was both a drafted prospect, a beloved Maple Leaf, and a dedicated coach who gave back to the game at the junior level.
