NHL star Erik Karlsson tragically loses unborn son

About a month before the due date, Erik Karlsson and his wife, Melinda, have lost their unborn son.

The Senators announced that Karlsson, their captain, was scratched from the lineup for Tuesday night’s game against the Panthers while he and his family mourn their son’s death. The child would have been Karlsson’s first with Melinda, his second wife, after the couple wed in August.

“The collective thoughts and prayers of the Ottawa Senators organization, the city of Ottawa and entire hockey community rest with Erik and Melinda Karlsson following the loss of their son,” the team said in a statement. “We ask that you respect the family’s wishes for privacy during the grieving process.”

NHL teams, players and fans expressed their condolences on Twitter after news of the loss spread.

“The entire LA Kings’ organization is thinking of Erik Karlsson and his family during this time,” the Kings tweeted from their official account.

“Today is a day to remember that there are way more important things in life and hockey is just a game!!” wrote retired NHL star Marc Savard.

Karlsson announced he and his wife were expecting last November in a heartfelt Instagram post, with the latest baby reference coming as recently as Feb. 19.

“The most exciting news we have ever received arrived earlier this year,” the star defenseman wrote at the time, attached to a photo of him and his wife holding an ultrasound image. “Can’t wait to meet you.”

Karlsson, 27, has won two James Norris Memorial Trophy awards for the NHL’s best defenseman as the anchor of Ottawa’s backline. Now in his ninth NHL season, Karlsson has eight goals and 48 assists for the struggling Senators.