Calgary Flames forward Matt Stajan has been granted a leave from the team as he mourns the death of his newborn son, the team announced Sunday.
"It is with great sadness we inform that Katie and Matt Stajan are grieving the loss of their son, Emerson Stajan," the Flames said in a statement. "Emerson passed away Monday, March 3, 2014, following childbirth.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Katie and Matt at this difficult time. We appreciate that everyone has and will continue to respect their privacy during this period."
A private memorial will be held in the coming days, the team said.
Stajan had missed the team's last four games for what the team called personal reasons, last playing in the Flames' 2-1 overtime win against the Edmonton Oilers March 1. He has 10 goals and 13 assists in 52 games this season.
