Days after we lost one of the greatest Right Wings in Hockey, another one was taken from us.
Guy Lafleur, one of the best players to ever grace the ice, passed away at the age of 70. While it was not announced how he died, he had contracted lung cancer two years ago.
From Quebec, Lafleur was the number one pick in the 1971 Draft by the Montreal Canadiens, and he was able to stay in his home province, and add to the laundry list of superstars that Montreal boasted. Lafleur helped the Habs win the Cup in 1973, but it was in the 1974/75 campaign where he established himself as one of the game’s top forwards.
From that season until 1979-80, Lafleur was named the First Team All-Star at Right Wing, and won three consecutive Art Ross Trophies (1975-76 to 1977-78), winning the Hart in the latter two year. Lafleur also lit the lamp 50 times in all of those six First Team All-Star years, and also won the Lester B. Pearson Award three times.
Injuries, decreased production, and a changing philosophy in Montreal saw Lafleur retire in 1985, but it would not stick.
Lafleur was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988, but came out of retirement to play three seasons, the first with the New York Rangers, and the latter two with the Quebec Nordiques. While he was not the offensive force he once was, he was still incredibly popular, and added to his impressive stat line.
Retiring for good in 1991, Lafleur amassed 1,246 Points.
We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to extend our condolences to the friends, family and fans of Guy Lafleur.
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