Former NHL draftee and long-time Canadian broadcast analyst Shawn Simpson dead at 56

Long time Ottawa Senators analyst Shawn Simpson has reportedly died at just 56 years old.

The news is spreading via social media with Senators based blogs and social media accounts sharing the news via Twitter and Facebook this morning.

The popular radio host had been open about his struggles in mental health in the past, sharing with fans that he had been close to taking his own life before. 

He never shied away from the fact that he had depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts, sharing with fans his day to day struggles and encouraging them to seek out help for their own problems.

Long time friend and fellow Senators analyst Ian Mendes shares his thoughts:

As an undersized goaltender in the 1980s, Simpson faced an uphill battle at making it to the pros. He was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft 60th overall and spent parts of three years with the team's AHL affiliate in Baltimore. While he never played a game for the Capitals, he did dress as the team's backup goalie for playoff games in 1990. After his short pro playing career he quickly transitioned to broadcasting work with the Capitals' television team and eventually was hired by the Capitals as a scout.

He worked for the Capitals for six years as a scout until 1997 when he was promoted to director of hockey operations for the Capitals, while also serving as the general manager of the team's AHL affiliate Portland Pirates. Eventually in 2004 he left the organization to join the Toronto Maple Leafs as a scout.

In 2012, Simpson once again entered the media world joining TSN 1200 in Ottawa where he co hosted "The Drive" and his own show "Simmer Down". This is where the public came to really know and love Simmer. He was an all time beauty who had no issues calling things as he saw them. He was outspoken and always wore his heart on his sleeve. He had his contract terminated by Bell Media in 2023.

Rest in peace, Simmer. You don't have to fight your demons any longer.