Steve Montador played for a lot of teams during his 10-year NHL career, leaving his impression on countless teammates along the way. That became clear Sunday as the hockey community poured out emotion following the news that Montador was found dead Sunday morning at age 35 in his Ontario home.
Montador played for the Blackhawks, Flames, Panthers, Ducks, Bruins and Sabres from 2001-12. He suffered a significant head injury in February 2012 and never played in the NHL again, only making brief appearances in the AHL and KHL over the past couple years. In the past, Montador spoke candidly about his troubles with recovering from post-concussion symptoms, which more or less brought an end to his professional hockey career.
Teammates across the league showed their appreciation and respect for Montador as the news spread Sunday, reflecting what a wonderful impact the defenseman had on so many different people. (Note: This was originally posted at 12:08 p.m CT, it’s been updated to include more reactions from other players)
A true warrior and great friend passed away last night “Monty”. We will miss you dearly #RIP Thoughts and prayers are with his family
— marc savard (@MSavvy91) February 15, 2015
RIP MONTY.. Ill miss you buddy…
— Dave Bolland (@DaveBolland) February 15, 2015
Rest in peace Steve Montador. You took such good care of me my very first couple of weeks over seas. Forever thankful
— Joakim Nordström (@Jo92No) February 15, 2015
Sad to hear the passing of a friend and great teammate Steve Montador. #restinpeace
— Patrick Kaleta (@patrick_kaleta) February 15, 2015
R.I.P. Steve Montador. Sad to hear, great person and a great teammate.
— Jhonas Enroth (@JEnroth125) February 15, 2015
RIP Monty. One of the better guys I have come across in the game. Truly saddened to hear of this. Keep him and his family in your thoughts
— brandon pirri (@pirri91) February 15, 2015
Sad to hear the passing of Steve Montador, great guy and teammate. #restinpeace
— Nathan Gerbe (@NathanGerbe14) February 15, 2015
RIP Monty
— Anthony Stewart (@StuMunrue) February 15, 2015
So sad to hear about the death of Steve Montador. Got to know him a few years ago and he was such a nice guy and true pro. Rest in Peace.
— Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6) February 15, 2015
So sad to hear about Steve Montador. He was a great man, great teammate. Shocked
— Troy Bodie (@TroyBodie) February 15, 2015
So sad to hear the passing of my former teammate Steve Montador. I will always remember how good you were to me as a rookie Monty. #RIP
— Luke Adam (@LukeJAdam) February 15, 2015
RIP Monty. Thoughts and prayers with his family. Too soon for such a great guy and teammate.
— Jeremy Morin (@jmorin91) February 15, 2015
Sad to hear about the passing of Montador… Was an awesome guy to me and the team when he was down in Rockford… R.I.P. buddy
— Ryan Stanton (@rstanton4) February 15, 2015
RIP Monty. Such a great guy, glad I had the opportunity to play along side him. You will be missed, thoughts and prayers with your family.
— Dylan Olsen (@DylanOlsen34) February 15, 2015
RIP Steve Montador. Monty laughed a lot and made the rink a fun place. So sad. Just spent some time with him this summer.
— Ryan Miller (@RyanMiller3039) February 15, 2015
We have lost a great Man. Honored to have called him and friend. I Hope life’s brighter on the other side Monty! Rest in Peace
— Matt Beleskey (@Matt_Beleskey) February 15, 2015
Very sad day in the hockey world! RIP Steve Montador! Condolences to his friends and family.
— Brandon Dubinsky (@BDubi17) February 15, 2015
So saddened to hear of the passing of Steve Montador… Spent parts of 3 summers training with him under @bodybyobrien . RIP Monty
— Matt Duchene (@Matt9Duchene) February 15, 2015
RIP Monty, that was way to soon
— Viktor Stalberg (@VStalberg) February 15, 2015
Rest in peace Monty. All heart.
— Rich Clune (@richclune) February 15, 2015
Rest in peace Monty!! Shocked to hear the awful news!!!
— Sami Lepistö (@SamiLepisto) February 15, 2015
RIP Monty. You were one of the best I’ve gotten to play with.
— Bobby Ryan (@b_ryan9) February 15, 2015
So sad to learn of Monty’s passing. Lucky enough to spend some time with him last week, it’s crazy how quick things happen. Rest peacefully
— Erik Johnson (@6ErikJohnson) February 15, 2015
Patrick Kane on Steve Montador: “It’s sad news. It’s been a tough year.” #Blackhawks
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) February 15, 2015
(Hat tip to Ian McLaren for list of NHL player Twitters)