Former No. 7 Overall Pick Passes Away

Sad news out of the Minnesota hockey world and for the sport in general, as the former No. 7 overall pick in the NHL Draft, Brad Maxwell, has passed away at the young age of 66. 

Rest in peace Maxy--former North Stars defenseman and president of the Minnesota NHL Alumni Association.

Brad Maxwell and his wife Lori, made Minnesota their home after his 10-year NHL career. The #StateOfHockey will miss you. ❤️🕊️💚 pic.twitter.com/9yYeZU6er5

— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) September 4, 2023

A 10-year veteran defenseman of the NHL wars, spent mostly with the old Minnesota North Stars, Maxwell was also the president of the Minnesota NHL Alumni Association.

After being selected by the North Stars in the 1977 Draft at No. 7 overall, Maxwell spent his first seven full seasons in the Twin Cities, culminating with his best year in the NHL in 1983-84 when he registered 19 goals and 54 assists for 73 points.

He was dealt the following season to the Quebec Nordiques, and spent a bit of time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers before wrapping up his career, appropriately, in Minnesota for his final season.

He had a multi-faceted game, as a puck-carrying defenseman who could also quarterback the power play, as well as sticking up physically for his teammates, taking on the toughest players in the game.

Maxwell had been battling lung cancer.

RIP to a Minnesota hockey legend.