Player agent Don Baizley dies at 71 after battle with lung cancer

NHL agent Don Baizley, whose client list included Teemu Selanne and Peter Forsberg, has died at the age of 71.

Baizley battled non-smoker’s lung cancer, and his death brought an outpouring of support from the hockey community.

“Saddened to hear of Don Baizley’s passing,” fellow agent Allan Walsh wrote on Twitter. “He defined integrity and honour. Heaven just got one helluva sports agent.”

Baizley represented a number of prominent stars, including Selanne, Forsberg, Joe Sakic, Paul Kariya and Saku Koivu.

He was a mediator during the 2004-05 NHL lockout and was considered one of the most influential men in the sport.

The Winnipeg native was a member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame based on his 30 years of experience in the game that included two years as a player in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.

Baizley’s death was confirmed by a fellow agent who didn’t want to be quoted.