Canadian ice hockey player Colby Cave has died, aged 25, four days after surgery to remove a cyst on his brain.

He was first admitted to hospital in Ontario on Monday and then airlifted to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, where he was put into a medically-induced coma, but following complications he later died.

Tributes flooded onto Twitter following the news, with the NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman describing the young star as 'a warm and generous person who was well-liked by all those who were fortunate enough to know him'.

In four seasons in the National Hockey League, Cave played 67 games, scoring four goals and making five assists during stints at both the Oilers and the Boston Bruins.

The team released a family statement that read: "Our Colby was loved dearly by us, his family and friends, the entire hockey community, and many more.

"We thank everyone for their prayers during this difficult time.”

Cave's agent has since confirmed Colby's death was not due to the coronavirus pandemic but his wife, Emily, wrote on Instagram that she had not been able to visit him because of hospital restrictions due to the pandemic.

Earlier in the week she had posted: "We need a miracle. Colby’s parents and myself, got to see him through a window and talk to him with a walkie talkie last night. 

"We are no longer allowed to be in the hospital because Covid-19 rules. We have no idea when we will be allowed to see him again.

“The nurse has tied his wedding band to his ankle.

"I am dreaming of being able to touch you, hear your voice, squeeze your hand (3 times), and kiss you again.

"I love you so much, and my heart is shattered into a million pieces without my best friend.”