Condolences pour in after son of Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson dies

The Ottawa Senators are heartbroken for their grieving captain.

The club revealed Tuesday thatthe son ofErik and Melinda Karlssonhas died.

The couple announced they were expecting in November 2017.Karlssonhad previously said the baby was due in the spring, during theNHLplayoffs.

The27-year-olddefenceman didn't suit upin the Senators' 7-2 loss to the Florida PanthersTuesday night.Following the game, his teammates and head coach Guy Boucheroffered their condolences.

"Everybody is heartbroken, it's awful," Bouchersaid. "We definitely feel for Erik and his wife and his family.

"It's been a tough year but this is a real personal, devastating blow to them. We feel for them and Erik is going to take the time he needs to come back and once he does we'll do our best to support him. It's definitely a sad day."

Sens rally around their captain

Defenceman Mark Boroweickisaid he couldn't even imagine what theKarlssonsare going through.

"It puts perspective on life and what's going on here. It's important they take time to grieve and be together," he said.

"There is so much love coming out of this dressing room for them. Erik is a huge part of this team and Erik and Melinda are a huge part of this community and this city. We really are a family in here and it hurts all of us deeply."

In particular, Karlsson'sloss resonated withSenators forward Zach Smith.

"As expecting parents it hits a little deeper," he said. "I don't know what else to say. It's devastating and I just feel terrible for them. I just hope they're doing OK and we'll be here to support them."

Earlier Tuesdaythe organization issued a statement,offeringits thoughts and prayers tothe Karlsson family.

Condolences also poured in on Twitter.

MarcSavard, a formerNHLplayer from Ottawa, also offered sympathy.