One of the greatest talents in NHL history has passed away, as several reports have confirmed the death of Mike Bossy. The legendary goal scorer was 65. In a statement from the New York Islanders, the only team Bossy ever played for, general manager Lou Lamoriello explained the loss:
The New York Islanders organization mourns the loss of Mike Bossy, an icon not only on Long Island but across the entire hockey world. His drive to be the best every time he stepped on the ice was second to none. Along with his teammates, he helped win four straight Stanley Cup championships, shaping the history of this franchise forever. On behalf of the entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to the entire Bossy family and all those who grieve this tragic loss.
Four consecutive Stanley Cup championships aren’t even what most people will think of when they consider Bossy’s career. Instead, it’s his incredible, innate ability to score goals, arguably better than anyone else in the history of the game. While he only played in 752 games, the right-handed sniper racked up 573 goals, including five seasons of at least 60. He twice led the league and currently sits first in terms of goals per game at .762, ahead of Mario Lemieux’s .754.
While it was goals that dominated his career, that’s certainly not the only thing Bossy was known for. A three-time winner of the Lady Byng trophy as the “player adjusted to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct,” Bossy was one of the most well-liked and cherished players of all time, even by fans of opposing teams. The Islanders retired his No. 22 in 1992, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the same year.
In 2017, Bossy wrote a letter to his 14-year-old self for the Players’ Tribune. It is a must-read for hockey fans young and old.
There are few players in the history of the game who have had such an impact. The hockey world, including all of us here at PHR, mourns the loss and sends condolences to the Bossy family.
Rip
RIP. One of the best players in my younger generation…
He was a Big Time Player, before Massive Social Media
That Flyers/Islander Rivalry was a big deal
I am sorry to read this, May He Rest in Peace.
RIP. Too young to have seen him live but the numbers are staggering and the stories show just how respected he was/is to this day.
I’ve been a die hard Flyers Dan for over 40 years and hated the Isles but Bossy is still firmly entrenched in my top 5 favorite players of all time. He exuded skill and class and I still believe he’s the best pure goal scorer of all time. I’ve been wondering for years why the Lady Byng Trophy hasn’t been renamed in his honour. Thanks for all the great memories Mike. You are a legend.
RIp. One of the best ever!
Not “one of” he was the best period. Even Gretzky agreed, saying Bossy was the standard he measured himself against.
Rest in peace. One of the greats for sure.
RIP boss. If your back had never gave out ovechkin would be chasing you for the goal record.
Awful news. Bossy was a class act from start to finish, and if he had better health he would’ve been the one to break Howe’s goal scoring record.
65. Terrible.
My first favorite player. Rest easy Boss.
Very sad to hear of this. He was phenomenal to watch.
Just devastated. He was the classiest of all. Although it has been said already, if not for his back issues, he would be the all-time leading scorer in NHL history. I digress though, the numbers aren’t what’s important right now, showing support for his family in their time of grief is what matters most.
I’d like to send my condolences to the Bossy family, as well. Boss will be greatly missed. Thanks for the fantastic memories and for being such a great ambassador to the sport. RIP #22.
As a lifelong Rangers fan, all respect to the greatest natural goal scorer I ever had the pleasure of watching, even against my team. R.I.P. Mr. Bossy, a Supreme talent and a great human being.
By the bye, Gavin, thanks for the link to that piece Bossy wrote. It’s the best bit I’ve ever seen written by a hockey player not named Dryden.
AGREED
This is sad to hear, man what a great player and apparently a great guy! I have a couple of memories of sitting in the old Boston Garden when I lived back east and the Bruins were playing the Islanders. I was sitting behind Gerry Cheevers about mid way up from the ice surface when Bossy was a rookie and he put that puck between Cheevers wickets before he closed up the pads. I remember thinking, holy s*** that was in the back of the net in like less than a second from what I remember? I was thinking after that game, that guy is going to score all the time. Another time, a playoff game against the Bruins where Clark Gillies scored in overtime to beat the BRUINS 2-1. That still is one of the best hockey games I have ever been to and I have been to a lot: Cheevers vs Smith, great goaltending. Those Islander teams were awesome even though I was a Bruins fan at the time. Well, anyways it’s sad. Hope you rest in peace, Mike!!
RIP Mr. Bossy! The greatest pure goal scorer I ever saw!