The draft festivities in Montreal have been clouded today by the death of former NHL defenseman Bryan Marchment. The Associated Press spoke with agent Rick Curran, who confirmed that Marchment has passed, though a cause of death was not immediately available. He was 53.
Marchment was in Montreal as a scout for the San Jose Sharks, an organization for which he has held various roles since 2007. A veteran of more than 900 games in the NHL, he last played during the 2005-06 season for the Calgary Flames and also suited up for the Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, Hartford Whalers, and Winnipeg Jets during a long career.
Bryan was the father of Florida Panthers forward Mason Marchment, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent next week for the first time. Jake Marchment, his nephew, was also a draft pick of the Los Angeles Kings in 2014.