Paul Boutilier, the former NHL defenseman and Stanley Cup champion with the New York Islanders, has been reported as having passed away in mid-May 2026. Multiple outlets have cited the news, with official confirmations from hockey organizations noting his death at age 63; no cause of death has been publicly disclosed in initial reports.
Key points about Paul Boutilier
- NHL career: Played eight seasons (early 1980s), appearing for the Islanders, Bruins, North Stars, Rangers, and Jets, totaling 288 regular-season games with 110 points (27 goals, 83 assists) and additional playoff contributions.[1][3]
- Post-playing career: went on to coaching and development roles at various levels, including college, junior, and NHL-affiliated programs; served as a defensive consultant in junior hockey and had stints with multiple organizations (e.g., Nashville Predators development role).[2][5][1]
- Recent context: Reports indicate his involvement with the Moncton Wildcats as defensive consultant and his team successes in the QMJHL in 2025 prior to his passing.[2]
What this means for the hockey community
- Tributes and memorials are likely as teams and associations remember his contributions as a player and coach.[3][4]
- Coverage emphasizes his impact on defensive development and mentoring across levels of hockey, from the NHL to junior hockey.[5]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest specific tributes or memorial announcements from teams or leagues, or summarize his career highlights with exact dates and teams. Would you like a concise timeline or a brief obituary-style recap?
Sources
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Defensive Consultant Paul Boutilier. Boutilier was a 1st Round Draft Pick of the New York Islanders in 1981 and played 329 games in the NHL with the Islanders, Boston Bruins, Minnesota North Stars, New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets. He also played 2 seasons (1987-1989)…
chl.caThe former Islander defenseman and Stanley Cup champion has spent recent years coaching
www.nhl.comPaul André Boutilier (born May 3, 1963 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada) is a retired professional defenceman. He was a member of the Stanley Cup champion New York Islanders in 1983. Boutilier starred in the QMJHL with the Sherbrooke Castors in the early 1980's. In 1982, he helped the team reach the Memorial Cup, was named to the tournament all-star team, and was voted a first team all-star by the QMJHL. Chosen 21st overall by the New York Islanders in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft (ahead of such...
icehockey.fandom.comA former NHL player from Sydney, Nova Scotia has passed away. In a statement on social media, the NHL Alumni A...
surge105.caThe NHL community is mourning the loss of former defenseman Paul Boutilier, who passed away at the age of 63. The NHL Alumni Association confirmed the news,
news.ssbcrack.comFormer NHL defenseman Paul Boutilier, a Stanley Cup champion with the New York Islanders, passed away at 63, as announced by the NHL Alumni Association. The cau
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