{"id":575230,"date":"2026-05-15T03:24:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T03:24:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/575230\/"},"modified":"2026-05-15T03:24:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T03:24:19","slug":"tributes-pour-in-as-stanley-cup-champion-paul-boutilier-dies-aged-63","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/575230\/","title":{"rendered":"Tributes pour in as Stanley Cup champion Paul Boutilier dies aged 63"},"content":{"rendered":"

By OLIVER SALT, US ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR<\/a> <\/p>\n

Published: 23:09 EDT, 14 May 2026 | Updated: 23:10 EDT, 14 May 2026 <\/p>\n

Former New York Islanders defenseman Paul Boutilier has died just days after turning 63, it has been announced.<\/p>\n

Boutilier, who helped the Islanders win the Stanley Cup during his five-year stint in New York, celebrated his birthday at the start of the month. A cause of death has not yet been revealed.<\/p>\n

The NHL Alumni Association confirmed his tragic passing in a statement on Thursday.<\/p>\n

‘We send our deepest condolences to Paul\u2019s family, friends, and former teammates during this incredibly difficult time,’ the NHLAA said.<\/p>\n

Boutilier spent nine seasons in the NHL after being selected 21st overall by the Islanders in the 1981 Draft.<\/p>\n

The Canadian player enjoyed a bit-part role in New York’s 1982-83 Stanley Cup-winning season, featuring in 29 regular-season and two playoff games.<\/p>\n

\"Former <\/p>\n

Former New York Islanders defenseman Paul Boutilier has died just days after turning 63<\/p>\n

\"Boutilier <\/p>\n

Boutilier helped the Islanders win the Stanley Cup during his five-year stint in New York<\/p>\n

The NHL Alumni Association is deeply saddened to learn that Paul Boutilier has passed away at the age of 63.<\/p>\n

A defenseman, Paul played major junior hockey with the QMJHL\u2019s Sherbrooke Castors beginning in 1980, and was selected by the New York Islanders in the first round of the\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/5VJ8aLNXhi<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) May 14, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

After becoming more of a key player in the next two seasons, Boutilier later enjoyed stints with the Boston Bruins, Minnesota North Stars, New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets before retiring in 1991 following a brief spell in Switzerland.<\/p>\n

During the 1982-83 season, he split time between the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League and the NHL, while he also played for both the Islanders and the Central Hockey League’s Indianapolis Checkers in the 1983-84 campaign.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Boutilier, who went by the nickname ‘Boots’, made 13 regular-season appearances for the Islanders, while featuring 36 timers in the playoffs.<\/p>\n

On the international stage, he represented Canada on several occasions and captured gold in the 1982 World Junior Championship.<\/p>\n

After retiring Boutilier ventured into coaching, working as an assistant coach for Saint Mary\u2019s University in Canada from 1991-93. He was then promoted to head coach and remained in that position until 1997.<\/p>\n

Fans were quick to pay tribute to him on social media Thursday, with one writing: ‘RIP Boots. Many defenseman owe you gratitude.’<\/p>\n

Another said: ‘I had the opportunity to be on the ice with Paul numerous times while coaching at Hockey Canada\/Team Atlantic U17 camps. Boots was a great hockey player teacher and a fine gentleman. Condolences to Paul\u2019s family and friends.’<\/p>\n

While a third put: ‘A New York Islander Stanley Cup Champion – May you Rest easy Paul’.<\/p>\n

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\n Tributes pour in as Stanley Cup champion Paul Boutilier dies aged 63<\/p>\n