Guy Lafleur died at the age of 70.
No cause of death was given, but Lafleur was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2020. He had a cancer removed from his lung in 2019.
The owner of the Habs said that they were deeply sad to learn of the death of Lafleur. Guy Lafleur was close to the Habs and hockey fans in Quebec, Canada and around the world, and he had an exceptional career. We were able to experience great moments of collective pride throughout his career. He was one of the greatest players in our organization and an extraordinary ambassador for our sport.
The winger affectionately known as "The Flower" and "The Blonde Demon" played 14 seasons with Montreal and was a cornerstone of five Stanley Cup-winning teams, including in 1977. Lafleur was the first player in league history to score 50 or more goals in six consecutive seasons.
In the 1970s, Lafleur won three Art Ross Trophys, two Hart Trophys, and a three-time winner of the Lester B. Pearson Award as the NHL's points leader.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman honored Lafleur as a player.
Bettman said that you didn't need to see Guy Lafleur's name and number on his sweater when The Flower had the puck on his stick.
Lafleur was hampered by injuries in the 1980s and butted heads with coach Jacques Lemaire when he took over. The two had played together in some of the best seasons of the 1970s, but they didn't find the same common ground as a coach and player. Serge Savard denied Lafleur's request for a trade in 1985. Lafleur decided to retire.
In 1988 Lafleur decided to return to the NHL after being in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Mario Lemieux went back to the NHL after entering the Hall, but only after he had entered.
After one season in New York, Lafleur moved on to spend two years with the Quebec Nordiques and mentor future star Joe Sakic before hanging up his skates for good in 1991.
Lafleur was a fan of Montreal legend Jean Beliveau. After a successful junior hockey career, Lafleur was drafted first overall by the Canadiens in 1971 and went on to become a franchise icon in his own right.
In the NHL, Lafleur scored 566 goals and had 1,353 points. He was one of the 100 greatest NHL players of all time.
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