Former Quebec Nordiques draft pick passes away at just 55-years-old

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Josh Tupper
September 5, 2023 (11:34)

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On Sunday afternoon more sad news arose from the hockey world. The announcement came down that former Quebec Nordiques draft pick and longtime European player Morgan Samuelsson had passed away at the age of 55.

One of Samuelsson's former teams, ZSC Lions in Switzerland, released the following statement:

"It is shocking news that hit Swiss ice hockey shortly before the start of the season. After a long period of suffering, Morgan Samuelsson lost his fight and his heart stopped beating on Sunday night. Samuelsson passed away at home. Far too early � the Swede, who has lived in Switzerland for many years, only turned 55.

With Samuelsson's death, this world not only loses a legendary ice hockey player, but also a happy and kind-hearted person who gave his last shirt for others. Morgan Samuelsson was always an entertaining but also profound conversationalist. When his health was no longer good in the last few years, he endured it bravely and fought. Until his heart gave up on Sunday night." ZSC Lions said in a statement.

Samuelsson was selected 123rd overall by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1986 NHL Draft. However, Samuelsson never opted to come to North America, instead preferring to remain at home in Europe.

Samuelsson spent his career in Europe, playing for teams in Sweden, Germany, Austria and in Switzerland. Samuelsson finally retired in 2022 after a nearly 20 year career. After the end of his playing carwer, he turned his attention to coaching and management. Samuelsson went into work in Sweden, Switzerland and Italy in off ice roles.

Our thoughts are with the Samuelsson family at this extremely difficult time.