Oilers forward Colby Cave, 25, dies after suffering brain bleed

Oilers forward Colby Cave has died at the age of 25. The family released the following statement on Saturday:

"It is with great sadness to share the news that our Colby Cave passed away early this morning. I (Emily, his wife) and both our families are in shock but know our Colby was loved dearly by us, his family and friends, the entire hockey community, and many more. We thank everyone for their prayers during this difficult time."

Oilers GM Ken Holland and team chairman Bob Nicholson also issued the following statement:

"On behalf of the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club and the Bakersfield Condors, we wanted to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends after the passing of our teammate Colby Cave earlier this morning. Colby was a terrific teammate with great character, admired and liked everywhere he played. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Emily, his family and friends at this very difficult time."

Cave was placed in a medically induced coma on Tuesday after suffering a brain bleed overnight and underwent emergency surgery to remove a colloid cyst that was causing pressure on his brain.

While the procedure was successful, he remained in a coma until his passing today.

Cave played in 67 career NHL games over parts of three seasons between Boston, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2015, and Edmonton, who claimed him off waivers in January of 2019. 

Earlier this week, his agent, Jason Davidson, indicated that Cave’s situation did not appear to be linked to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.