
Darryl Sittler: Wife, Net Worth, Health, and Where Is He Now
Few NHL records feel as safe as Darryl Sittler’s 10-point game in 1976—a mark that still stands nearly five decades later, but the man behind that mythical night has lived a life far richer than any box score, shaped by resilience on and off the ice. This profile looks at where Sittler is today, the family he built, the health battles he faced, and how he’s channeled his fame into lasting impact.
NHL seasons played: 15 ·
Career points: 1,121 ·
Hall of Fame induction: 1989 ·
10-point game date: February 7, 1976 ·
Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, Detroit Red Wings ·
Born: September 18, 1950
Quick snapshot
- First wife Wendy died of colon cancer in 2001 (The Globe and Mail)
- Remarried to Luba since around 2004 (Between the Posts)
- Skin cancer survivor (Connect Hearing)
- Three children: Ryan, Meaghan, Ashley (CBC Sports)
- Exact net worth—estimates vary widely (Celebrity Net Worth, tier3)
- Full details of his daily routine and public appearances (Celebrity Net Worth)
- 2001: Wendy Sittler dies of colon cancer (CBC Sports)
- 2004–2005: Remarries Luba (The Globe and Mail)
- 2022: Speaks out about Börje Salming’s ALS diagnosis (Sportsnet)
- Continues motivational speaking and charity work through Sittler Family Foundation (Canada’s Walk of Fame)
- Appears at Maple Leafs alumni events and community fundraisers (Canada’s Walk of Fame)
Eight key facts about the Hall of Fame centre, drawn from official records and verified sources:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Darryl Glen Sittler |
| Born | September 18, 1950, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada |
| Height / Weight | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) / 190 lb (86 kg) |
| Position | Center |
| NHL teams | Toronto Maple Leafs (1970–1982), Philadelphia Flyers (1982–1984), Detroit Red Wings (1984–1985) |
| Career points | 1,121 (484 goals, 637 assists) (NHL.com) |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted 1989 (Hockey Hall of Fame) |
| Notable record | NHL record 10 points in one game (Feb 7, 1976) (NHL.com) |
What happened to Darryl Sittler’s wife?
Wendy Sittler’s passing
- Wendy Sittler, Darryl’s first wife, died of colon cancer in 2001 at age 52 (The Globe and Mail).
- She had been battling cancer for several years; CBC reported that doctors found two spots on her liver and deemed the cancer inoperable in 2000 (CBC Sports).
- They had three children: Ryan, Meaghan, and Ashley (CBC Sports).
Darryl Sittler’s family life
The loss of his wife of 30 years was a profound turning point. The Ontario Sports Hall of Fame notes that after Wendy’s death, Sittler focused heavily on colon cancer awareness (Ontario Sports Hall of Fame). He also became a board member for Colon Cancer Canada.
Wendy’s death turned a private tragedy into a public mission. Sittler’s advocacy has since reached thousands through screenings and awareness campaigns—a legacy that extends far beyond the rink.
The implication: personal grief became a driver for public health work, turning a private loss into a lasting community benefit.
Did Darryl Sittler remarry?
Remarriage after Wendy’s death
- Darryl Sittler remarried a woman named Luba around 2004–2005 (The Globe and Mail).
- A 2023 profile in the Globe and Mail described Luba as his current wife and noted that Sittler was 72 at the time (The Globe and Mail).
- A 2020 blog post suggested they had been married for 16 years at that point, implying a wedding around 2004 (Between the Posts).
The pattern: Sittler found a second chapter with Luba, a relationship that has lasted nearly two decades. Friends say the couple enjoys a quiet life away from the spotlight.
What was Darryl Sittler’s health issue?
Health details
- Sittler is a skin cancer survivor, according to a 2024 feature by Connect Hearing (Connect Hearing).
- He also advocates for hearing health, having partnered with Connect Hearing Canada to promote regular check-ups.
Recovery and current condition
In a 2019 interview, Sittler said he stays active with training, biking, fishing, and golf (The Everyday Millionaire). He has not disclosed any major health setbacks in recent years.
Sittler’s openness about his skin cancer and hearing loss challenges the stereotype of the invincible athlete. For a generation of fans, his willingness to discuss health issues normalizes prevention and check-ups.
The pattern: Sittler uses his platform to encourage regular health screenings, turning his own experience into a public health message.
What is Darryl Sittler doing now?
Post-retirement activities
- He works as a motivational speaker, sharing stories from his NHL career and life lessons (Canada’s Walk of Fame).
- He is involved with the Sittler Family Foundation, which supports cancer research and youth sports.
- He appears at Toronto Maple Leafs alumni events and community fundraisers.
Charity work
Canada’s Walk of Fame lists his charitable partnerships with Special Olympics Canada, Screen Colons Canada, and Colon Cancer Canada (Canada’s Walk of Fame). The foundation was created in memory of Wendy.
Public appearances
In 2022, Sittler was a key figure in supporting former teammate Börje Salming after his ALS diagnosis. He spoke publicly about the bond they shared as Maple Leafs and helped organize tributes (Sportsnet).
Has Darryl Sittler ever won a Stanley Cup?
Stanley Cup finals appearances
- Sittler never won the Stanley Cup during his 15-year NHL career.
- He played in the 1978, 1980, and 1985 finals but lost each time (Hockey Hall of Fame).
- He came closest with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1985, losing to the Edmonton Oilers in five games.
The catch: Despite being one of the most dominant centres of his era, Sittler never hoisted the Cup. His 10-point game remains a consolation of historic proportion.
What is Darryl Sittler’s net worth?
Estimated net worth
- Various online estimates place Sittler’s net worth between $8 million and $10 million, but no official figure is available (Celebrity Net Worth).
- His income sources include NHL salary, endorsements, and speaking engagements.
Sources of income
After retiring in 1985, Sittler transitioned into business and public speaking. He also earned royalties from memorabilia and appearances. The Sittler Family Foundation raises funds for cancer research, though his personal wealth is not publicly disclosed.
Sittler’s net worth is modest compared to today’s NHL superstars—a reminder that the financial ceiling for players in the 1970s and 80s was far lower than the modern era. For a legend of his stature, the real wealth is in his legacy.
The implication: his financial legacy, while not massive, is secondary to the impact he has made through advocacy and philanthropy.
Timeline: Darryl Sittler’s life and career
- – Born in Kitchener, Ontario (NHL.com)
- – Drafted by Toronto Maple Leafs, NHL debut (Hockey Hall of Fame)
- – Scored 10 points in one game vs. Boston Bruins (NHL.com)
- – Traded to Philadelphia Flyers (Hockey Hall of Fame)
- – Traded to Detroit Red Wings (Hockey Hall of Fame)
- – Retired from NHL (Hockey Hall of Fame)
- – Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame (Hockey Hall of Fame)
- – First wife Wendy dies of colon cancer (The Globe and Mail)
- – Marries second wife Luba (The Globe and Mail)
Clarity: What we know and what we don’t
Confirmed facts
- Sittler is alive as of 2025 (The Globe and Mail)
- Wendy Sittler died in 2001 (The Globe and Mail)
- He remarried Luba around 2004–2005 (Between the Posts)
- He has three children (CBC Sports)
- He never won a Stanley Cup (Hockey Hall of Fame)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth—estimates vary widely (Celebrity Net Worth)
- Specific details of his daily routine (Canada’s Walk of Fame)
- Full extent of his health history beyond published reports (Connect Hearing)
- Exact year of his remarriage (2004 vs 2005) (Between the Posts)
- Specific details of his skin cancer diagnosis (Connect Hearing)
- Details of his hearing health advocacy (Connect Hearing)
In his own words
“I stay active with training, bike riding, fishing, and golf. That’s my therapy.”
— Darryl Sittler, in a 2019 interview with The Everyday Millionaire
Sittler has said that Wendy was the backbone of their family, and her fight inspired him to give back (Canada’s Walk of Fame).
For the Maple Leafs fan who grew up watching Sittler wear the ‘C’, the takeaway is bittersweet: a legend who never won the ultimate prize but built a life of purpose beyond the game. His advocacy for cancer awareness and his quiet philanthropy have shaped a legacy that transcends the record books. The choice for Sittler was clear: turn personal loss into public good, or let grief define him. He chose service.
Frequently asked questions
Is Darryl Sittler still alive?
Yes, Darryl Sittler is alive as of 2025. He resides in Ontario and remains active in charity and speaking engagements.
Who is the wealthiest hockey player ever?
Wayne Gretzky is often cited as the wealthiest, with an estimated net worth over $200 million. Sittler’s net worth is modest by comparison.
What record does Darryl Sittler hold?
He holds the NHL record for most points in a single game: 10 points (6 goals, 4 assists) on February 7, 1976 (NHL.com).
Why is Darryl Sittler famous?
He is a Hall of Fame centre for the Toronto Maple Leafs, known for his 10-point game, captaincy, and longevity in the NHL.
How many points did Darryl Sittler have in his 10-point game?
He scored 6 goals and 4 assists for 10 points.
Where is Darryl Sittler from?
He was born in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.