Erik Karlsson lose unborn son just a month before his due date

NHL star Erik Karlsson and his wife have suffered heartbreak after they lost their unborn son just a month before his due date.

Karlsson, the captain of The Ottawa Senators, was scratched from the lineup of Tuesday’s game as he and his wife Melinda mourned the loss of their first child.

‘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 to the New York Post.

NHL star Erik Karlsson and his wife Melinda (pictured together in January) have suffered heartbreak after they lost their unborn son just a month before his due date

‘We ask that you respect the family’s wishes for privacy during the grieving process.’

The baby boy would have been Karlsson’s first child with Melinda, his second wife, who he married in August.

The couple had been very excited to welcome their new addition, and posted a number of touching Instagram posts in anticipation.

In November, Karlsson posted a photo of his wife holding up an ultrasound scan of his son, with the caption: ‘The most exciting news we have ever received arrived earlier this year.

‘Can’t wait to meet you.’

The couple had been very excited to welcome their new addition, and posted a number of touching Instagram posts in anticipation

The couple had been very excited to welcome their new addition, and posted a number of touching Instagram posts in anticipation

In January, the NHL star enthused about how he and his wife couldn't wait to start 'our new chapter in life'

In January, the NHL star enthused about how he and his wife couldn’t wait to start ‘our new chapter in life’

In January, the NHL star enthused about how he and his wife couldn’t wait to start ‘our new chapter in life’.

Last month, he shared a photo of himself and Melinda, beaming at the camera, with his hand resting on her pregnant stomach.  

‘Just me and my little family,’ he wrote.

He was due to be born next month. 

Since the sad news was announced, there has been an outpouring of grief and condolences on Twitter for the couple.

Erik Karlsson, (left) captain of the Ottawa Senators, pictured with a teammate, playing against the New Jersey Devils on February 16, 2017 

Erik Karlsson, (left) captain of the Ottawa Senators, pictured with a teammate, playing against the New Jersey Devils on February 16, 2017 

Karlsson, 27, now in his ninth NHL season, has won two James Norris Memorial Trophy awards for the NHL's best defenseman on the Senator's backline (pictured playing at Amalie Arena, Florida, on March 13)

Karlsson, 27, now in his ninth NHL season, has won two James Norris Memorial Trophy awards for the NHL’s best defenseman on the Senator’s backline (pictured playing at Amalie Arena, Florida, on March 13)

The LA Kings tweeted that the team was ‘thinking of Erik Karlsson and his family during this time’.

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

Karlsson, 27, now in his ninth NHL season, has won two James Norris Memorial Trophy awards for the NHL’s best defenseman on the Senator’s backline.

He also has eight goals and 48 assists for the Senators.



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