According to multiple reports, Vladimir Tsyplakov has passed away at age 50. The cause of death has not been announced as of yet.
Tsyplakov was selected 59th overall by the L.A. Kings in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, and went onto play 261 games for the Kings before being traded to the Buffalo Sabres mid-way through the 1999-00 season. He played 70 games in Buffalo, before heading to Russia to play out the rest of his career.
In 331 career NHL games, Tsyplakov recorded 69 goals and 170 points.
He spent four seasons in Russia, the first three with Kazan Ak-Bars, and he eventually finished his professional career with CSKA Moscow, and hung up his skates at the end of the 2004-05 season.
Post-playing career, he spent a few seasons coaching, including the Belarus National Team, and Dynamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League.
Tsyplakov also had success on the international stage, winning gold with the Soviet Union in 1989 World Junior Championships.
Sources: Elite Prospects
