Shawn Simpson, a former Washington Capitals draft pick, broadcaster, scout, and director of hockey operations, has passed away suddenly at the age of 56. TSN’s John Rodenburg shared the news on TSN 1200 Ottawa on Thursday morning.
The Capitals selected Simpson, a Gloucester, Ontario native, in the third round of the 1986 NHL Draft. Simpson never played an NHL game with Washington but spent three seasons with their AHL affiliate, the Baltimore Skipjacks. After retiring, he provided color commentary for Capitals games on radio (WMAL) and television (WDCA).
Washington then hired Simpson as a scout for the 1993-94 season, later promoting him to director of hockey operations and Skipjacks general manager in 1997. He stayed in that role until the 2004-05 campaign when the Toronto Maple Leafs brought him in as a pro scout.
The Capitals released a statement on X about Simpson’s passing.
The Washington Capitals are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Shawn Simpson. Drafted by the Capitals in 1986, Shawn spent many years in our organization as a player, broadcaster, scout and director of hockey operations.
We send our deepest sympathies and condolences to… https://t.co/rhn5k0LEjp
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 30, 2025
“The Washington Capitals are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Shawn Simpson,” the Capitals wrote. “Drafted by the Capitals in 1986, Shawn spent many years in our organization as a player, broadcaster, scout and director of hockey operations. We send our deepest sympathies and condolences to Shawn’s family, friends and colleagues.”
After his stint with the Maple Leafs, Simpson briefly served as the director of hockey operations for the KHL’s Dynamo Minsk. He then became the president of the IJHL’s Cape Cod Cubs, his last job before joining TSN 1200 Ottawa and providing postgame coverage for the Senators. He worked for the station until June 2023.
The Capitals and Senators are playing one another in Ottawa on Thursday night. The Senators also shared their own statement on Simpson’s passing.
The Ottawa Senators were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Shawn Simpson, lionhearted member of the Sens media landscape and proud member of the Ottawa community.
Our hearts go out to his family and friends, as well as his fans whose lives he touched throughout his…
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) January 30, 2025
“The Ottawa Senators were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Shawn Simpson, lionhearted member of the Sens media landscape and proud member of the Ottawa community,” the Senators wrote. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends, as well as his fans whose lives he touched throughout his hockey and media career.”
RMNB sends our sincerest condolences to the Simpson family and friends. May Shawn rest in peace.
