Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens legend passes away at 70
Anthony Scultore
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One of the many greats to have played for the Montreal Canadiens, Guy Lafleur has passed away at the ago of 70.
Lafleur had been battling cancer for the last three years and died at a care center near Montreal.
“The Flower” was drafted by the Habs first overall in the 1971 Amateur Draft. He scored 581 goals and 1246 points in 961 career games with Montreal. Lafleur made an NHL comeback 4 years after leaving the Canadiens spending 1 year with the New York Rangers and two more with the Quebec Nordiques.
His illustrious career ended with 1126 games played and 1353 points. In the postseason, he recorded 134 points in 128 games.
Lafleur was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988. His accolades included 5 Stanley Cup Championships, 3 Art Ross Trophies (Points Leaders), 2 Hart Trophies (MVP), 3 Ted Lindsay Awards (NHLPA Outstanding Player), and 1 Conn Smythe (Playoff MVP).
Montreal Canadiens and NHL statement on Guy Lafleur
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Guy Lafleur,” Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said in a statement. “All members of the Canadiens organization are devastated by his passing. 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. Throughout his career, he allowed us to experience great moments of collective pride. He was one of the greatest players in our organization while becoming an extraordinary ambassador for our sport.
“Guy Lafleur is part of the Canadiens’ family and the organization will provide all the necessary support to the members of his family and his close circle of friends during this extremely difficult time. On behalf of the Molson family, and all members of the Club de hockey Canadien organization, I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Lise; his sons, Martin and Mark; his mother, Pierrette Lafleur; his granddaughter, Sienna-Rose; and his sisters, Lise, Gisele, Suzanne and Lucie.”
Commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement on behalf of the NHL regarding the six-time All Star.
“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. “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.”
