It is with deep sadness that the Toronto Maple Leafs learned of the passing of former player Peter Zezel, who passed away due to illness earlier today. Peter Zezel was 44 years old. Toronto Maple Leafs President and General Manager Brian Burke issued the following statement this evening : ?On behalf of the Maple Leafs, I want to convey our deepest sympathies to Peter?s family, friends and former teammates. He was the consummate professional and he always carried himself with great class as a human being. Peter will be greatly missed.? Former teammate and Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni Board Member Mark Osborne: ?Peter was the ultimate caring friend and teammate. He was so dedicated to his family and friends and he would always freely give of his time and energies to help someone else. He was truly a passionate and loyal friend both on and off the ice. Our hockey family is devastated.? Born in Toronto on April 22, 1965, Peter Zezel played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League, including four seasons with the Maple Leafs between 1990 and 1994. His NHL career began in 1984-85, and he would go on to play 873 games for the Flyers, Blues, Capitals, Leafs, Stars, Devils and Canucks. He tallied 219 goals and added 389 assists for 608 points. He also played in 131 playoff games and collected 25 goals, 39 assists and 64 points. Prior to his career in the NHL, he was a standout performer with the Toronto Marlboros of the Ontario Hockey League in 1982-83 and 1983-84.