Former Jets defenseman passes away at the age of 52

Considering his stature, Dmitri Filimonov's ice hockey career was not the standard for a defenseman in the NHL. After his first year playing with the Moscow Dynamo in the 1990-91 season, the Winnipeg Jets hoped to get the most out of the 6'6" frame on the ice but ultimately traded him to the Ottawa Senators in 1993. In exchange, they received a fourth-round draft pick used to acquire Ruslan Batyrshin, who only appeared for the league for 2 games in Los Angeles a few years later.

Soon after he entered the league, Dmitri Filimonov became part of the Soviet Union's national team in the 1991 Canada Cup, coming in fifth place overall. Two years later, he put in his time with the Ottawa Senators. He played 30 games with the team, recording one goal and four assists before moving on from the NHL. He also appeared in the lineup for their AHL affiliate for two seasons in Prince Edward Island. From here, he played most of the following decade back in Russia before retiring in 2007.

Unfortunately, Dmitri Filimonov had his retirement from the sport cut far too short. After less than 20 years away from professional ice hockey, the former defenseman passed away suddenly at the age of 52.

Though his stay in the NHL did not last long, Dmitri Filimonov's impact on ice hockey will continue to live on. We hope you can share in keeping his family and friends in your thoughts as they navigate this tragedy.

Source: Blade of Steel
Former NHL defenceman Dmitri Filimonov passes away at young age