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Brad Maxwell: Former NHL all-star defenseman dies at 66 after tragic battle with lung cancer

Maxwell's career was marked by his dedication and skill, with the majority of his playing years spent with the Minnesota North Stars

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Former NHL defenseman Brad Maxwell died at the age of 66 after a battle with lung cancer that had spread throughout his body.

Maxwell's hockey career spanned ten seasons in the NHL during the 1970s and 80s.

He spent the majority of his career with the Minnesota North Stars, with short stints on other teams including the Quebec Nordiques, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and New York Rangers.

 A tribute to Brad Maxwell's life and career

 Those who knew him were truly lucky, and he will be deeply missed. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers,” Maxwell’s family wrote on his GoFundMe page, "

Throughout his career, Maxwell played in 613 regular season NHL games and an additional 79 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

He was a key member of the 1981 North Stars team that made it to the Stanley Cup Final, although they ultimately lost to the New York Islanders in seven games.

Maxwell contributed significantly to his team's success, amassing 368 points (98 goals and 270 assists) in his regular season career and another 61 points (12 goals and 49 assists) in postseason play.

representing Canada and winning championships

In addition to his NHL career, Maxwell represented Canada in the IIHF World Championship three times (1978, 1979, 1982) and won the Memorial Cup with the New Westminster Bruins in 1977 before being drafted to the NHL. He was selected as the No. 7 overall pick in the 1977 NHL Draft.

After retiring from professional hockey, Maxwell embarked on a new career path. He started a renovation and construction company in Minnesota and later became the head of the Stars' alumni association, as reported by theToronto Sun.

tributes from friends and the hockey community

Former teammate Craig Hartsburg, who played alongside Maxwell with the North Stars from 1979 to 1989, paid tribute to his friend on social media.

The Minnesota Wild, the current NHL team representing the state of Minnesota, offered their condolences as well.

"It has been a sad 24 hours after learning about the passing of former teammate Brad Maxwell. There are people who have character and those that are characters. Maxy was both ! God bless the Maxwell family. RIP my friend!"

On the social media platform X, the Minnesota Wild expressed their grief over Brad Maxwell's passing. The Wild assumed the role of Minnesota's NHL franchise after the North Stars relocated to Dallas in 1993.

“Rest in peace Maxy–former North Stars defenseman and president of the Minnesota NHL Alumni Association. Brad Maxwell and his wife Lori, made Minnesota their home after his 10-year NHL career. The #StateOfHockey will miss you,” the post read.