Montreal Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur has passed away after a battle with lung cancer. He was 70 years old. The news was announced early Friday morning
Montreal Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur dies at 70 https://t.co/w2Wa6cvcZ3
— Montreal Gazette (@mtlgazette) April 22, 2022
Guy Lafleur Passes Away
Lafleur was publicly diagnosed with cancer in 2019, which he managed to suppress with treatment. but in September of 2020, his family announced that the cancer had returned. His family also revealed that in December of 2021, he had stopped doing the cancer treatments.
Lafleur recorded 560 goals and 793 assists for 1353 points in 1126 games with the Canadiens, North Stars, and Nordiques. He was selected 1st overall in 1971 and he is regarded as one of the greatest Montreal Canadiens of all time.
Lafleur spent 17 seasons in the NHL, making a return in 1988 with the New York Rangers after a three year retirement. He spent the last two years of his career with the North Stars and Nordiques, signing with Quebec in his final year in 1991 because he was transitioning to a front office role with the club. He won five Stanley Cups in his career, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988.
Lafleur was also inducted to the Order of Canada in this years class, which includes Kim St-Pierre and Lanny McDonald
Significance With The Canadiens
He spent 14 straight seasons in Montreal, starting in the 1971-1972 season. He won all five Stanley Cups with the organization. he won his first in 1972-1973, and was also part of the Canadiens team of the 1970’s and went on a tear, winning 4 straight from the 1975-1976 season, to the 1978-1979 season.
His number 10 was retired by the Canadiens on June 10, 1985, and the QMJHL retired his number 4 league wide, with the official ceremony being in October of 2021. His nickname throughout his NHL career was The Flower, being a direct English translation of his last name. This nickname would become iconic, and would be one of the most recognizable nicknames in NHL history.
All of us Here at Last Word On Sports extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Guy Lafleur, and the entire Montreal Canadiens’ organization. Rest in peace, Flower. you were a true icon, and a Canadiens legend.
