The Canadiens and NHL community are mourning the lo s of another hockey legend after Guy Lafleur's family announced Friday that the Canadiens great has died after a battle with lung cancer. He was 70 years old.
Lafleur had been diagnosed with cancer in October of 2020 and fought through it for 31 months privately.
Nicknamed "The Flower" by his English-speaking fans and "Le Dmon Blond" by the French speakers, the forward played 17 seasons in the NHL, 14 of those coming with the Canadiens, two Clay Johnston Jerseys with the Nordiques and one with the Rangers.
The Canadiens made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 1971 NHL Draft and he helped the team to five Stanley Cups during the 1970s, including winning the Conn Smythe for playoff MVP in 1977 after he led the postseason with 26 points in 14 games.
Lafleur became the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in six consecutive seasons in addition to 50 goals and 100 points in six straight seasons. During that sensational run from 1974-75 season to the 1979-80 season, he led the NHL in scoring three times and led the league in goals once.
In addition to the Stanley Cups and the Conn Smythe, Lafleur ended his career with three Art Ro s Trophies, two Hart Trophies, three Lester B. Pearson Awards (now known as the Ted Lindsay Award) and six All-Star selections.
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However, most impre sive are his career marks in Canadiens history. The storied franchise has had a number of greats play in Montreal like Jean Beliveau and Maurice Richard. However, Lafleur is the franchise's all-time leader in points (1,246), a sists (728), game-winning goals (94), shots (3 Thomas Davis Sr. Jerseys ,204) and a sists per game (0.76). He is second all-time in goals with 518, sitting only behind Richard.
The native of Thurso, Quebec, had his No. 10 jersey retired by the Canadiens in 1985 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. Hewas one of the most entertaining players to watch during his time, with his golden hair whipping through the wind as he raced Greg Olsen Jerseys up and down the ice.
Lafleur goes down in history as one of the greatest players to ever take the NHL ice.
NHL reactions to Guy Lafleur's deathFormer players, teammates and media personnel took to social media to react to the pa sing of the Canadiens legend.
The entire Montreal Canadiens organization is mourning the lo s of legendary Hall-of-Famer and Canadiens Amba sador Guy Lafleur, who pa sed away at the age of 70.Rest in peace, Guy.
Canadiens Montral (@CanadiensMTL)The Hockey Hall of Fame is saddened to learn of the pa sing of Honoured Member Guy Lafleur.We offer our condolences to his family and friends.
Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame)Guy Lafleur, or The Flower, was unlike anyone else on the ice. His speed, skill, and scoring were hard to believe. A record-setter and a five-time Stanley Cup champion, he inspired countle s Quebecers, Canadians, and hockey fans around the world. Well mi s you, Number 10.
Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau)1/2 Guy Lafleur has left us at age 70 following a 31-month cancer battle, cutting a hole in Quebecs heart forever. The most exciting player of his generation, Flower wrestled his challenges to the very end, working to improve and support the lives of fellow cancer patients.
Dave Stubbs (@Dave_Stubbs)Lafleur was beyond a star when I was young.The first player who legitimately frightened me every time the puck was on his stick and as a player he captured and reflected the vibe of his era. A.J. Bouye Jerseys He earned his place with the greats long ago. RIP.
Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek)Legends never die. Rest In Peace, Guy Lafleur.
Eric Engels (@EricEngels)An absolute icon. The hair, the stride, the shot, the smile. When I was a kid, Guy was synonymous with the Habs, and Quebec. Just an absolute rock star. And a really nice man. Condolences to the Lafleur family and all who adored him.
James Duthie (@tsnjamesduthie)Guy Lafleur..A skating Louis Vuitton commercial who stylishly flew on the ice and murdered pucks. Ferrari winger that attracted all eyes during his shifts..Was 1970s Habs rocket fuel (5 Cups). In 78-79 he led team in scoring by 52 points. #1 NHL player in 2nd half of 1970s.
House of Bucci Mane (@Buccigro s)The term iconic probably gets overused, but not in this case. Guy Lafleur truly was.
Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN)The term rock star has become overused, but this man was a rock star and not just because he has his own disco album. RIP to a legend, Guy Lafleur.
Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski)Another heart breaking day for hockey. Guy Lafleur was the most exciting player I ever watched live. There was nothing better than Guy going end to end with the Forum crowding roaring in anticipation. Rocket, Beliveau, Flower. The Habs have the best line in Heaven. Rest In Peace.
Chris Cuthbert (@CCpxpSN)I wish I got to see Guy Lafleur play hockey. The videos of him going end to end with his hair flowing, skating faster and Carolina Panthers Home Office shooting harder than anyone else are amazing to watch. A true game breaker Ikem Ekwonu Jerseys and a winner. Rest In Peace
Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6)So many incredible memories. Everyone of a certain age whether on the street or on the ice imitated Lafleur flying down the wing. Didnt matter if you liked the Canadiens or not, everyone loved Lafleur.
Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC)My condolences to the family and friends of Guy Lafleur. I feel lucky to have spent time with Guy a few yrs ago.He told stories.I sipped wine.Many will discu s his incredible career today. I will think about that evening in Saskatoon.An absolutely lovely gentleman.
Jackie Redmond (@Jackie_Redmond)Maxim Lapierre (@Lappy14) Andrew Berkshire (@AndrewBerkshire)
I was lucky enough to see the legend Guy Lafleur in person at the Garden. An absolute superstar that made you jump out of your seat regardle s of which team you were rooting for. Terribly sad to hear of his pa sing.
Rear Admiral (@RearAdBsBlog)My condolences to the family and friends of Guy Lafleur. A tremendous lo s to the hockey world. Rest i
