Former NHL coach Pat Burns has taken a turn for the worse, according to news reports.
The 58-year-old Montreal native has been fighting a battle with terminal lung cancer for a number of years. That battle, it appears, could end in the next few days.
Burns, who spends most of his time in Florida, has apparently returned to his home in the Quebec town of Magog and is surrounded by family.
The three-time winner of the Jack Adams trophy for coaching excellence made his last public appearance in March when the town of Stanstead, Que., announced it would build a new arena bearing his name. At the time, Burns made light of the fact he probably wouldn't be around to see the arena completed.
In April Burns was philosophical about his future, saying, "I know my life is nearing its end and I accept that."
Burns was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2004 and liver cancer in 2005, the latter forcing him to retire from coaching. He revealed he had lung cancer in 2009.
On Thursday morning, Burns spoke with colleagues at a Montreal sports radio station. According to co-host Gabriel Gregoire, he didn’t complain about his health.
"He refuses to be pitied," Gregoire said on-air Thursday afternoon.
"He is being cared for and surrounded by extraordinary people. He smiles through life and has fun. He is happy at the moment."
Burns coached the Montreal Canadiens from 1988-92. He also coached the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils. In 2003, he guided the Devils to a Stanley Cup win.
Magog and Stanstead are both in Quebec’s Eastern Townships region, near the U.S. border.