NHL: Montreal Canadiens great Guy Lafleur dies at 70

Guy Lafleur, a Hockey Hall of Fame ice hockey player who won five Stanley Cups during a storied 17-year NHL career spent primarily with the Montreal Canadiens, has died at the age of 70, his former team said on Friday.

Lafleur, who began his NHL career with the Canadiens in 1971, was one of the most prodigious scorers and most exciting players of his generation, or any other.

A cause of death was not disclosed.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Guy Lafleur," Canadiens' President Geoff Molson said in a news release.

"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."

Lafleur, easily recognizable on the ice given the long, blond hair that flowed in his wake, captured the imaginations of the hockey world with a trademark smooth skating style and scoring touch that made him a threat most every shift.

Known as one of the greatest right wingers ever to play the game and one of the most exciting offensive players of all time, Lafleur - nicknamed "The Flower" - was also the first to score at least 50 goals and 100 points in six consecutive seasons.

Lafleur spent the first 14 years of his NHL career with the Canadiens and remains the franchise's all-time leading scorer with 1,246 points.

After a three-year retirement, Lafleur played with the New York Rangers for one season and the Quebec Nordiques for two and his 1,353 career points rank 29th on the all-time list.

COVETED PROSPECT

Born in Thurso, Quebec, Lafleur fell in love with the game at a young age and at times even slept in his hockey equipment to make his trip to the arena in the morning easier.

Lafleur went on to become