Former Predators, Wild center Zholtok dies of heart ailment

"Sergei was a great competitor and a valuable member of our organization for almost three years and will be greatly missed by his teammates and his fans in the hockey world," Wild general manager Doug Risebrough said.

Nashville declined to make a qualifying offer to Zholtok after the end of the season, which ended in a playoff loss to Detroit.

In recent years, Zholtok hooked up with fellow countryman and former Carolina Hurricanes goalie Arturs Irbe to organize an online auction of hockey memorabilia to benefit abused children in Latvia. They collected pucks, sticks and equipment autographed by more than 115 NHL players from 18 teams, including the Wild's Marian Gaborik, for sale to the highest bidder.

"Sergei was the consummate team player," Senators president Roy Mlakar said. "He will be remembered in Ottawa for his sincere involvement in our community. Moreover, he was a class human being and family man, who will be remembered as such by the Senators family."

Zholtok is survived by his wife Anna, and two sons.