Paul Boutilier, defenseman for the Stanley Cup-winning Islanders, has passed away at 63.

Paul Boutilier, Former Islanders Defenseman, Passes Away

Paul Boutilier, the defenseman who contributed to the Islanders’ success in the 1980s, has died at the age of 63. The NHL Alumni Association released this news on Thursday, though the cause of his death has yet to be disclosed.

In a statement, the NHL Alumni Association expressed heartfelt condolences to Boutilier’s family, friends, and former teammates during such a challenging time.

Boutilier’s NHL career spanned nine seasons, playing notably with the Islanders from 1981 to 1986. He also had stints with the Bruins, North Stars, Rangers, and Jets. He played a pivotal role in the Islanders’ last championship run, participating in 29 regular season games and two playoff matches during the 1982-83 season. This earned him a spot on the Stanley Cup.

Prior to his NHL journey, Boutilier played junior hockey in the QMJHL with the Sherbrooke Castors and was selected in the first round of the 1981 NHL Entry Draft by the Islanders. He made his debut on Halloween 1981 and scored his first goal just over a year later, facing off against the Bruins at Nassau Coliseum.

His career with the Islanders included 213 regular season games and 36 playoff appearances. He also played at times in the CHL with the Indianapolis Checkers during the 1983-84 season.

Boutilier continued his involvement in hockey after retiring from playing, transitioning to coaching. He took on the role of assistant coach at Saint Mary’s University in Canada from 1991 until 1993, and then became the head coach, holding that position until 1997.