Jean Rene Potvin was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who played for many years. He was born on March 25, 1949, and died in the same month on March 15, 2022, at the age of 72.
In his active days, he played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders, Cleveland Barons, and Minnesota North Stars between 1970 and 1981.
No cause has been attributed to the veterans’ death now. But people believe he might have died of natural causes since he was quite old and became inactive.
His obituary was announced on Twitter this way:
What was Jean Potvin’s cause of death?
During his illustrious career, the former New York Islander player won two Stanley Cups and was known as a “leader on the rink”.
Jean was born in Ottawa, Canada, and had a great 11-year career in the National Hockey League.
The Islanders were his primary team for the majority of his time there.
While with the Los Angeles Kings, he also spent time with the Philadelphia Flyers, Cleveland Barons, and Minnesota North Stars.
The Islanders won their first of two Stanley Cups in 1980 and 1981 during Potvin’s final two seasons with the team.
In spite of his defensive position, Potvin had 46 goals and 167 assists in his career. “
After retiring from ice hockey, he spent eight years as a radio host for the New York Islanders.
Josephthal & Co., a retail investment management firm, employed him as a registered representative during that time.
Notably, Potvin remained active in the neighborhood for many years.
For more than a decade, he served on the board of the Nassau County Boy Scouts of America and the Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens.
What was Jean Potvin’s cause of death?
The sad demise of Potvin was reported on social media by members of his old team.
New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello issued the following statement: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Potvin family at this difficult time.”
As a player, he was instrumental in helping the team win two Stanley Cup titles.
“He made his home on the Island and was always such a friendly face in our community. We send our sincere condolences to all those who grieve his loss.”
Potvin is survived by his wife Lorraine, their children – Kim, Leslie and Justin – and their two grandchildren.
A cause of death was not revealed at the time.
Was Jean Potvin related to Denis Potvin?
Denis Potvin, who was elected into the team’s Hall of Fame in 1991, has an older brother named Jean.
It is an honor bestowed upon the two brothers that they are the only Islanders defenders to score three goals.
From 1979 through 1987, Denis was the Islanders’ captain, leading the team to three Stanley Cup victories.
He had 63 goals and 224 assists in 613 NHL games throughout an 11-year career.
He was voted one of the league’s all-time greats in 2017.
When did Jean Potvin play for New York Islanders?
Potvin was part of the Islanders from 1972-73 through 1977-78.
He later rejoinied the club for the 1979-80 and 1980-81 seasons.