Habs legend Guy Lafleur’s passing compels condolences from across the hockey world

Condolences are pouring in for the family of Montreal Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur, who died at the age of 70.

The Habs icon, who hailed from Thurso, Que. won five Stanley Cups and remains, to this day, the team’s all-time scoring lead.

Lafleur had been diagnosed with lung cancer after a white spot was discovered in September 2019.

The Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), which had been treating Lafleur, says it was sad to hear the news of his passing.

“Throughout the treatment period, the entire team and I were marked by his great generosity, courage, calm and resilience,” said Dr. Mustapha Tehfe, hematologist-oncologist at the CHUM. “Rest in peace, Mr. Lafleur.”

The hospital states the hockey legend underwent surgery before receiving immunotherapy and chemotherapy when his cancer returned the following fall.

Fellow hockey legend Wayne Gretzky shared an image of the two together on Instagram.

“It was an honour to play with you,” he said. “You will be missed.”

Former Habs player Georges Laracque took to Twitter to share, “Once again, the hockey world lost a giant, our idol Guy Lafleur.”

“Quebec is in mourning,” he continued. “Guy was an exceptional man, generous and very close to his fans.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also shared his condolences on social media.

“Guy Lafleur, or ‘The Flower,’ was unlike anyone else on the ice,” he tweeted. “His speed, skill, and scoring were hard to believe. A record-setter and a five-time Stanley Cup champion, he inspired countless Quebecers, Canadians, and hockey fans around the world. We’ll miss you, Number 10.”

Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) Leader Dominique Anglade took to Twitter to share her thoughts, stating Lafleur was a hockey player “who marked my childhood and that of an entire generation. His legacy will remain forever engraved in the hearts of Quebecers.”

Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly also sent her condolences to Lafleur’s family on social media, calling him a “larger than life hero.”

“A hockey legend in our country and elsewhere,” she tweeted. “Thank you for your contagious passion and your enthusiasm on the ice that fascinated us all.”

The Quebec premier’s office has offered Lafleur’s family a state funeral to honour the hockey great, should they so wish.