Another hockey legend has passed away, as the Montreal Gazette reports the family of Guy Lafleur has announced that the Montreal Canadiens icon has died following a long battle with cancer. He was 70.
Lafleur, one of the most popular NHL players to ever live, hoisted the Stanley Cup on five occasions, took home the Art Ross as league scoring champion three times and twice was named the league’s most valuable player. A no-doubt Hall of Famer, he recorded 1,353 points in his 1,126-game career, almost all of which was spent in the province of Quebec, where he’d become a legend long before ever making it to the NHL.
In 1970-71, in his final year of junior hockey, Lafleur scored 130 goals in just 62 games for the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. That record would stand for more than a decade, until Mario Lemieux broke it in 1983-84, and still registers second all-time in the league’s history (Lafleur also has fourth, with 103 goals the previous season). The first-overall pick in 1971, the smooth-skating forward stepped directly into the spotlight and would lift the Stanley Cup in year two. By 1977, he would be setting a career-high of 136 points, while also representing his country at the Canada Cup.
There were very few players that combined the same level of talent and flash, as Lafleur did more than just rack up points. He excited the crowd every time he touched the puck and reached a level of popularity (or hate, depending on your allegiance) rarely seen in the sport to that point. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988, he was a no-doubt selection when the NHL released their Top 100 players list in 2017.
The entire hockey world, including those of us at PHR, send condolences to the Lafleur family.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
RIP to another legend. remember Guy Lafleur was one of my first hockey cards growing up
RIP Guy. Cancer sucks no matter the form. Would not wish any form on even my worst enemy.
Well when you smoke a carton a day Cancer might just pop up.
Cancer still sucks. My wife died from a cancer that they still do not know what causes it. My mom died from a cancer that is common and treatable but it spread much quicker than it was supposed to. Neither were smokers. I know he was a smoker but I still would not wish cancer on anyone and it definitely sucks.
New York Rangers Legend
RIP, Mr. Lafleur. Condolences to the Lafleur family.
Bossy, LaFleur, Gillies- all died way too young.
Truly a legend. RIP, GL.
Rest well, Flower. You were an amazing star.