Devastating News as Former Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens Goalie Sadly Passes Away

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 12:58 PM ET

Wayne Thomas played in the NHL for eight seasons before becoming a key fixture with the San Jose Sharks behind the scenes, who now tragically mourn his passing at the age of 77.

The San Jose Sharks may not be one of the oldest teams in the National Hockey League, but throughout their history, they've had some iconic people in hockey working behind the scenes.

One of those people is Wayne Thomas, who worked with the team between 1993 and 2014 as an assistant General Manager and someone that was very hands on behind the scenes.

That came after eight solid seasons with Montreal, Toronto and New York in the NHL between 1972 and 1981, posting a highly impressive 2.77 GAA in a career year with the Canadiens in 1972/73, but on Wednesday, the team announced his tragic passing at the age of 77 after a long battle with cancer.

The Ottawa native was one of the most beloved players in the NHL by his teammates during his time on the ice, and in San Jose he was seen as one of the most critical pieces to the success that this organization has had in the NHL thus far.

The 77-year old passed peacefully surrounded by his family, and not only for the work he did behind the scenes but for the person he was, tributes have poured in for one of the NHL's most under appreciated people in his time with the league.

We take this time to send our condolences to the friends, family, former teammates and all those in the Sharks organization that had the pleasure of knowing and working with Thomas throughout his life time.

Rest in Peace, Wayne Thomas.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: