NHL Veteran and AVS Broadcaster Peter McNab Dies at 70: Cause of Death Explained

Longtime NHL forward and AVS broadcaster Peter McNab has passed away at the age of 70. Read on to learn how did Peter McNab die, what happened to him, and what was the cause of his death.

McNab became a familiar voice of the Colorado Avalance as a broadcaster. He played in 14 seasons for a number of teams before transitioning his career to a mic-related role.

Who was Peter McNab?

Peter McNab was born in Vancouver, British Columbia. He grew up in San Dirho and went to the University of Denver. He played three seasons for the Pioneers between 1970 and 1973 and helped his side to a runner-up finish in the NCAA Division I Championship game.

After a successful junior hockey career, he played in parts of 14 NHL seasons for the Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, and New Jersey Devils. McNab concluded his career with 363 goals and 450 assists in 995 regular-season games.

He also helped the Sabres to the 1975 Stanley Cup final where Philadephia beat them in six games. In 2021, McNab was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.

After retiring as an active player, McNab turned into a broadcaster. He first became an analyst for the Devils and later joined the Avalanche. He also served as a hockey analyst at several Winter Olympics.

How did Peter McNab die?

Peter McNab died on Sunday, November 6, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones. The unfortunate news of his death was made public by the Avalanche in a joint statement with Altitude TV.

McNab was a part of the broadcast team when the Avalanche captured their third Stanley Cup last June beating Tampa Bay. He had been an integral part of the side for a long time.

McNab’s death came as a shock as he was doing well a few days ago. Although he was old and had a number of health issues, he could perform the basic tasks on his own perfectly fine.

Peter McNab dead: What was the cause of his death?

The specific cause of Peter McNab’s death wasn’t revealed in the statement announcing his passing. However, it is believed that McNab died of cancer as he revealed the diagnosis in August 2021.

He was working for Colorado’s Stanley Cup run while undergoing cancer treatment. He broadcasted for the Avalanche home games from the 2022-23 season. In February, McNab announced that his cancer was in remission.

It wasn’t known what sort and stage of cancer he was suffering from. Unfortunately, McNab died this past Sunday and fans are going to miss his voice forever.

Peter McNab Obituary, Funeral, and Tributes

Tributes have emerged for Peter McNab ever since the news of his death broke. Fans and friends are paying respect to the deceased NHL forward and broadcaster.

“The hockey world lost a good one here,” former Avalanche and current Nashville forward Matt Duchene wrote on social media. “Pete absolutely loved the game and couldn’t have been a nicer man and it was a pleasure to know him.”

“Peter’s passion for hockey was singular — as was his gift for celebrating what makes the sport so special,” wrote owner E. Stanley Kroenke and president Josh Kroenke in a joint statement.

“We were blessed that, for 27 years, he was an integral and indispensable part of our organization. His presence, insight, and commitment to growing the sport made us all want to be greater stewards of hockey.”


Several other famous personalities and fans joined the tribute train. Our heart goes out to his loved ones in these tough times. May God let his soul rest in peace.

The funeral arrangements and obituary for Peter McNab are pending at this time. We’ll keep you posted when more information is released.