Ray Shero -- current front office advisor to the Minnesota Wild and longtime NHL executive -- passed away Tuesday night at the age of 62.
The Wild shared the news Wednesday morning ... saying, "Our hearts go out to his family and friends and the countless people he impacted in the hockey community throughout his successful career."
The cause of death is not currently known.
"Ray Shero's smile and personality lit up every room he walked into and brightened the day of everyone he met," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said, reacting to the passing.