MISSISSAUGA – Former NHL player Steven Montador was found dead inside his Mississauga home early Sunday morning, according to Peel Regional Police.

Police said a female friend woke up at 2 a.m. to find Montador deceased. She contacted police and he was pronounced dead just after 2:30 a.m. at his residence.

"Foul play is not suspected, pending the outcome of an autopsy," said Const. Fiona Thivierge, a Peel police spokesperson.

At this time, Thivierge said, the incident is being treated as a sudden death investigation, not a criminal investigation.

Born in Vancouver, the 35-year-old began his NHL career with the Calgary Flames in 2001-02.

He went on to play defence for a number of NHL teams including the Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres and Chicago Blackhawks.

He last played in the NHL during 2011-12 season for Chicago and suffered a season-ending concussion.

The Blackhawks organization issued a statement following his death.

"With deep sadness we mourn the unfortunate loss of former Blackhawk Steve Montador. We join the many others throughout the NHL in keeping Steve's family and friends in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

He went on to play for the American Hockey League's Rockford Icedogs the next year before moving to the Kontinental Hockey League for the 2013-14 season.