![]() “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Guy Lafleur. All rights reserved.Montreal Canadiens icon and Hockey Hall of Famer Guy Lafleur died at age 70, the team announced on Friday. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information / Your California Privacy Rights are applicable to you. ^ Back to Top ^ © 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. The Associated Press contributed to this report. In 2017, he was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players of All Time. Two months later, he went under the knife again to remove the upper lobe of his lung and some lymph nodes.Ī chain smoker up until those health scares, Lafleur had been partnering with Merck Canada as part of its "Be The MVP" campaign to raise awareness about early lung cancer detection.Īll told, Lafleur appeared in 1,126 NHL games with 560 goals and 1,353 points. LaFleur was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019 when tumors were discovered by doctors performing emergency quadruple bypass heart surgery. 10 sweater retired by the team in 1985. He also had his number retired by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in October. After a successful junior hockey career, Lafleur was drafted first overall by the Canadiens in 1971 and went on to become a franchise icon in his own right, with his No. At the time, only Gordie Howe had ever gone back to the NHL after entering the Hall Mario Lemieux did it years later.Īfter one season in New York, Lafleur moved on to spend two years with the Quebec Nordiques - where he mentored future star Joe Sakic - before finally hanging up his skates for good in 1991.īorn in Thurso, Quebec, Lafleur grew up idolizing Montreal legend Jean Beliveau. ![]() Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988, Lafleur that same year decided to unretire and return to the NHL for the New York Rangers. Lafleur asked Montreal general manager Serge Savard for a trade in 1985 and was denied. The two had played together during some of the Canadiens' best seasons of the 1970s but didn't find the same common ground as coach and player. Lafleur was hampered by injuries in the 1980s and butted heads with coach Jacques Lemaire when he took over during the 1983-84 season. ". My thoughts are with all who are mourning this tremendous loss - in Quebec, across Canada, and around the world. "His speed, skill, and scoring were hard to believe," Trudeau said in a statement. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a noted Canadiens fan, said Lafleur was "unlike anyone else on the ice." "As distinctively stylish as he was remarkably talented, Lafleur cut a dashing and unmistakable figure whenever he blazed down the ice of the Montreal Forum, his long blond locks flowing in his wake as he prepared to rifle another puck past a helpless goaltender - or set up a linemate for a goal." "You didn't need to see Guy Lafleur's name and number on his sweater when 'The Flower' had the puck on his stick," Bettman said in a statement. ![]() NHL commissioner Gary Bettman honored Lafleur's unmistakable flair as a player. Pearson Award (now known as the Ted Lindsay) as most outstanding player according to the NHL Players' Association. Lafleur was electric on the ice, becoming the first player in league history to produce six consecutive seasons with 50-plus goals and 100-plus points (1974-80).ĭuring the height of his career in the 1970s, Lafleur was a three-time Art Ross Trophy winner as the NHL's points leader, a two-time Hart Trophy winner as league MVP and a three-time winner of the Lester B. The winger affectionately known as "The Flower" and "The Blond Demon" played 14 seasons with Montreal (1971-85) and was a cornerstone of five Stanley Cup-winning teams, including in 1977, when he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. He was one of the greatest players in our organization while becoming an extraordinary ambassador for our sport." Throughout his career, he allowed us to experience great moments of collective pride. Guy Lafleur had an exceptional career and always remained simple, accessible, and close to the Habs and hockey fans in Quebec, Canada and around the world. "All members of the Canadiens organization are devastated by his passing. ![]() "We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Guy Lafleur," Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said in a statement. He had previously had a cancerous lobe removed from his left lung in 2019. No cause of death was given, but Lafleur had announced his most recent right lung cancer diagnosis in October 2020. Montreal Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur has died, the team announced Friday. Guy Lafleur, five-time Stanley Cup champion with Montreal Canadiens, dies at 70 ![]() You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browser ![]()
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