Stephen Peat, a former NHL enforcer with the Capitals, passes away from injuries sustained in a tragic accident.

Stephen Peat, a former NHL forward who played four seasons with the Washington Capitals, passed away tragically from injuries sustained in an accident two weeks ago.

Peat was 44 years old.

Stephen Peat, a 44-year-old NHL player, passed away from injuries sustained in a tragic accident two weeks ago, the NHL Alumni Association announced in a statement on Thursday.

"Stephen will be saving lives through organ donation after the tragic accident. We express our heartfelt condolences to Stephen's family, friends, and former teammates during this challenging period."

The type of accident that Peat was involved in was not disclosed.

In 1998, the Anaheim Ducks selected Peat as a second-round draft pick, and he was recognized as an enforcer in the NHL throughout his 130-game career.

Over five seasons, the Canadian played for the Red Deer Rebels, Tri-City Americans and Calgary Hitmen in the WHL, scoring 11 goals and accumulating 36 assists in 203 games.

He was eventually traded from the Ducks to the Capitals, where he would make his NHL debut during the 2001-02 season. Prior to that, he was playing with the Portland Pirates in the AHL.

During his time with the Capitals, Peat would frequently switch between the NHL and AHL. However, when he played for the big club, he managed to score eight goals and provide two assists. Additionally, he accumulated 234 penalty minutes, demonstrating his assertiveness on the ice.

During the 2006-07 season, Peat would eventually retire and play only one game with the New Jersey Devils' AHL affiliate, the Albany River Rats.

The Columbus Blue Jackets' Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew Gaudreau, were killed in a tragic accident in Salem County, New Jersey, just days before their sister's wedding.

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