Former Washington Capitals forward Stephen Peat -- a second-round pick in the 1998 NHL draft -- has sadly died from injuries he sustained in a recent car accident.
The NHL Alumni Association announced the sad news Thursday ... revealing Peat was involved in the tragic wreck "just over two weeks ago."
Further details surrounding the incident were not made immediately available.
Peat was just 44 years old.
"We send our deepest condolences to Stephen’s family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time," the NHLAA said.