Patrick Kane speaks out on the passing of Troy Murray.

The hockey community was left reeling on Saturday morning when the Chicago Blackhawks made a tragic announcement confirming the passing of beloved Blackhawks color analyst and former National Hockey League player Troy Murray.

In the hours since the news went public we have seen dozens upon dozens of examples of all the lives Murray touched in a positive way during his time on this earth, and one example that stood out to me were some very kind words from another beloved Blackhawks legend of the past.

Hearing the news of Murray's passing on Saturday, former Blackhawks star forward Patrick Kane took to social media to express his thoughts on today's terrible news. Kane lamented the passing of his friend who he respected as a hockey player but respected even more as a man.

"Heartbreaking to hear the news today on the passing of [Troy Murray]," wrote Kane on Saturday. "Always had so much respect for Troy as a former Chicago Blackhawks and even better person. RIP my friend."

Kane and Murray never played together, in fact Kane didn't enter the National Hockey League until over a decade after Murray had last played in the NHL, but in spite of that Murray clearly had a profound impact on Kane. It speaks to what a truly great man the world has lost today.