Montreal Canadiens release statement on passing of franchise legend Guy Lafleur
Montreal Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur passed away on Friday morning following a battle with lung cancer.
After the announcement of his passing, the Montreal Canadiens and National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman released statements.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Guy Lafleur. 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," said Geoff Molson, President of the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club.
Molson added, "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."
Molson added, "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."
The 70-year-old spent the first fourteen seasons in the National Hockey League with the Montreal Canadiens, winning the Stanley Cup five times, Art Ross Trophy three times, and Hart Trophy twice. He had his number 10 retired by the Canadiens in 1985, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988.
"You didn't need to see Guy Lafleur's name and number on his sweater when 'The Flower' had the puck on his stick. 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." Bettman said.
He added, "Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988, Lafleur was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players during the League's Centennial celebration in 2017. He remained adored in Quebec throughout his post-playing days, signing autographs for hours at countless appearances as a franchise ambassador, having forged a special and enduring bond with the fans of his home province and adopted city. The National Hockey League mourns the passing of the iconic Guy Lafleur and sends its deepest condolences to his wife, Lise; his sons, Martin and Mark; his mother, Pierrette; his granddaughter, Sienna Rose; his four sisters and the entire Lafleur family; and the millions of hockey fans he thrilled."
He added, "Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988, Lafleur was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players during the League's Centennial celebration in 2017. He remained adored in Quebec throughout his post-playing days, signing autographs for hours at countless appearances as a franchise ambassador, having forged a special and enduring bond with the fans of his home province and adopted city. The National Hockey League mourns the passing of the iconic Guy Lafleur and sends its deepest condolences to his wife, Lise; his sons, Martin and Mark; his mother, Pierrette; his granddaughter, Sienna Rose; his four sisters and the entire Lafleur family; and the millions of hockey fans he thrilled."
Our thoughts are with the entire Lafleur family at this difficult time.
The entire Montreal Canadiens organization is mourning the loss of legendary Hall-of-Famer and Canadiens Ambassador Guy Lafleur, who passed away at the age of 70.
Rest in peace, Guy. 🕊️❤️https://t.co/vEqp39p0KL— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 22, 2022
Source: Gary Bettman's full statement.
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| COMPLETE STATS | ||||
| 2025-2026 NHL STANDINGS | ||||||
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Sabres | 72 | 44 | 20 | 8 | 96 | |
| Lightning | 71 | 44 | 21 | 6 | 94 | |
| Canadiens | 71 | 40 | 21 | 10 | 90 | |
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| Red Wings | 71 | 38 | 25 | 8 | 84 | |
| Maple Leafs | 73 | 31 | 29 | 13 | 75 | |
| Panthers | 71 | 35 | 33 | 3 | 73 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Hurricanes | 71 | 45 | 20 | 6 | 96 | |
| Penguins | 72 | 36 | 20 | 16 | 88 | |
| Blue Jackets | 72 | 38 | 23 | 11 | 87 | |
| Islanders | 73 | 41 | 27 | 5 | 87 | |
| Flyers | 71 | 35 | 24 | 12 | 82 | |
| Capitals | 73 | 36 | 28 | 9 | 81 | |
| Devils | 71 | 37 | 32 | 2 | 76 | |
| Rangers | 72 | 28 | 35 | 9 | 65 | |
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| Avalanche | 71 | 48 | 13 | 10 | 106 | |
| Stars | 72 | 43 | 18 | 11 | 97 | |
| Wild | 73 | 41 | 20 | 12 | 94 | |
| Mammoth | 73 | 37 | 30 | 6 | 80 | |
| Predators | 72 | 34 | 29 | 9 | 77 | |
| Jets | 72 | 30 | 30 | 12 | 72 | |
| Blues | 71 | 30 | 30 | 11 | 71 | |
| Blackhawks | 72 | 27 | 32 | 13 | 67 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
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