Guy Lafleur, 5-time Stanley Cup champion with Montreal Canadiens, dies at 70

Guy Lafleur, hockey Hall of Famer and one of the best players in NHL history, has died, the Montreal Canadiens announced Friday.

He was 70.

Lafleur, who racked up 1,353 points during his 17-year career, is remembered as one of the NHL’s flashiest players. During the height of his career in the 1970s, he led the Original 6 franchise to five Stanley Cups, cementing his place alongside Habs legends Maurice “Rocket” Richard and Jean Beliveau.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Guy Lafleur. All members of the Canadiens organization are devastated by his passing. Guy had an exceptional career and always remained humble, 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 organization and for hockey,” said Geoff Molson, owner, President and CEO of the Montreal Canadiens.

“Guy 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 Montreal Canadiens organization, I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Lise and his sons Martin and Mark.”

No cause of death was given. Lafleur had announced his most recent right lung cancer diagnosis in October 2020.

Further details regarding the schedule of upcoming events to celebrate and honor his life and Hall-of-Fame career will be announced shortly, according to the team.

The Red Wings were among those in the hockey world to express condolences on Friday.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of hockey icon, Guy Lafleur,” the team tweeted. “His impact on the game we all love was immeasurable. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and the entire Montreal Canadiens organization.”

Nicknamed “The Flower,” Lafleur won three straight Art Ross trophies, given to the NHL’s top scorer, from 1976-1978. He also won the Pearson Trophy, awarded to the league’s top performer by his playing peers, during that stretch, and claimed the Hart Trophy, awarded to the NHL MVP, in 1977 and 1978.

In 1977, his 26 playoff points earned Lafleur the Conn Smythe Trophy as the postseason MVP and paved the way to that year’s Stanley Cup parade.

Shortly after the 1984-85 season got underway, Lafleur shocked the hockey world with the news that he had decided to retire. He left the game with 518 regular season goals, a total second only to Richard’s 544. His 728 assists and 1,246 points in regular season competition lead all Habs to this day.

He was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988 after his No. 10 was retired by the Canadiens on February 16, 1985.

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.