MONTREAL (AP) — Hockey Hall of Famer Guy Lafleur, who helped the Montreal Canadiens win 5 Stanley Cup titles within the Nineteen Seventies, has died at age 70.
A trigger of loss of life was not instantly recognized, however Lafleur had been recognized with lung most cancers.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Guy Lafleur. All members of the Canadiens organization are devastated by his passing,” Canadiens President Geoff Molson mentioned in a press release.
“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.”
One of the best gamers of his era, Lafleur registered 518 targets and 728 assists in 14 seasons with Montreal.
The No. 1 choose within the 1971 NHL draft added 133 factors (57 targets, 76 assists) in 124 playoff contests.
Nicknamed “The Flower,” he retired after the 1984-85 season, however returned in 1988-89 with the New York Rangers. He performed the following two seasons with the Quebec Nordiques earlier than hanging up his skates for good.
“You didn’t need to see Guy Lafleur’s name and number on his sweater when ‘The Flower’ had the puck on his stick,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman mentioned in a press release. “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.”
Lafleur was recognized with lung most cancers in 2019, when tumors have been found by docs performing emergency quadruple bypass coronary heart surgical procedure.
