Guy Lafleur, Canadiens legend and Hockey Hall of Famer, dies at 70

Hockey Hall of Famer Guy Lafleur has died at the age of 70, the Montreal Canadiens confirmed on Friday.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Guy Lafleur,” said Canadiens owner Geoff Molson. “All members of the Canadiens organization are devastated by his passing. 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.

“Guy Lafleur 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 Club de hockey Canadien organization, I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Lise, his sons Martin and Mark, his mother Pierrette Lafleur, his grand-daughter Sienna-Rose and his sisters Lise, Gisèle, Suzanne and Lucie.”

Doctors discovered in Oct. 2020 that Lafleur’s lung cancer had returned. In Sep. 2019, he needed to have a lobe and lymph nodes removed from one of his lungs following quadruple-bypass heart surgery.

The news comes one week after fellow Hall of Famer Mike Bossy passed away after a battle with lung cancer.

Lafleur entered the NHL in the 1971-72 season with the Canadiens, the first of 14th straight the would play with the Habs. He recorded 100 points five times and helped them to five Stanley Cups, including four straight from 1976-1979. Between 1974-75 and 1979-80, he would become the first player in league history to score 50