Bob Pulford, NHL legend and Hall of Famer, passes away

The hockey world mourns the loss of Bob Pulford, a legend who left an indelible mark on the NHL as a player, coach, and general manager. Pulford passed away at the age of 89. The news of Pulford’s passing was announced by the NHL Alumni Association, after receiving information from his family. No additional details have been provided. Pulford, known for his tenacity and reliability on the ice, was a key player for the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team with which he won the Stanley Cup four times during his 14 years (1956-70). He was part of the 1967 team, the last to achieve a championship for the organization.

Pulford was selected for five All-Star Games and led the league in shorthanded goals three times. His achievements on the ice earned him a place in the Hall of Fame in 1991, after scoring 694 points in 1,168 regular season and playoff games. Outside the ice, Pulford was the first president of the players’ union, participating in the first collective bargaining and laying the groundwork for the current NHLPA. After playing his last two seasons with the Los Angeles Kings in the early 70s, Pulford became their coach for the next five years. Subsequently, he ran the front office of the Chicago Blackhawks as general manager or senior vice president of hockey operations for three decades, from 1977 to 2007, and returned to the bench as a coach on four occasions during that period.

“Rest in peace, Bob. Your impact on hockey and on all who had the privilege of knowing you will never be forgotten,” expressed the NHLAA in a social media post.

NHL Alumni Association