Breaking: Another NHL veteran has died far too young.

The Philadelphia Flyers have confirmed some very sad news.

In a pair of official statements from the Flyers' organization the team confirmed the passing of long-time Flyers player and Flyers' scout Ilkka Sinisalo, he was only 58 years old.

From the Flyers:

"Ilkka was a true friend and loyal member of the Flyers," said Flyers President Paul Holmgren. "He gave a great deal of his time, effort and talents to the organization in several capacities as a player and long-time scout to bring this franchise success on and off the ice. Most important to all that knew him, he was a great person, a loving husband, father and grandfather. His presence and friendship will be deeply missed by all that knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife of over 35 years, Carina, his sons Niklas and Tomas, as well as Tomas' wife, Maija and their children Peter and Matilda."

[pub]

"Ilkka was a very good player, a great teammate, but most importantly an outstanding person and a terrific friend to us all," said Flyers Executive Vice President & General Manager Ron Hextall. "We've all had the pleasure to work with him for many years and he will be missed." 

Sinisalo had a very respectable career before joining the Flyers' front office, a career that spanned 582 games in the National Hockey League. Over that time Sinisalo recorded 204 goals, 222 assists for 426 career points.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones in this difficult time.