Guy Lafleur, often dubbed "The Flower" and "Le Démon Blond," remains an iconic figure in hockey history, particularly for his electrifying performances with the Montreal Canadiens. His career, spanning from 1971 to 1991, saw him not only dominate the ice but also capture the hearts of fans with his speed, skill, and artistry.
Lafleur's early years showcased immense potential. Before joining the NHL, he set records in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), including a league-leading 103 goals in 1969-70. The following year, he led Quebec to a league title and national championship, scoring an incredible 130 goals with 79 assists. This outstanding performance led to his being drafted first overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1971 NHL Entry Draft.
After a few seasons, Lafleur blossomed into a superstar, leading the Canadiens to four consecutive Stanley Cup championships from 1976 to 1979. He won five Stanley Cups with the Canadiens. He was the first player in NHL history to score at least 50 goals and 100 points in six consecutive seasons. From 1974 through 1980, Lafleur amassed 327 goals and 439 assists for 766 points in 462 games. His trophy case includes two Hart Trophies as the NHL's most valuable player (1977 and 1978), three Lester B. Pearson Awards (now called the Ted Lindsay Award) for most outstanding player in the regular season (1976, 1977 and 1978), and one Conn Smythe Trophy for the most valuable player during the playoffs (1977).
Beyond the accolades, Lafleur's impact on the game was profound. He was the Montreal Canadiens' all-time leading scorer with 1,246 points (518 goals and 728 assists) in 961 games. Lafleur holds the franchise record for most points in a season (136). He was also the fastest player at the time to reach 1,000 points, achieving the milestone in just 720 games.
Even teammates recognized his unique talent, Steve Shutt said of Lafleur, “He's not the easiest player to play with because he's all over the ice...He doesn't know what he's going to do, so how can I know?”.
Lafleur retired in 1985 but made a comeback in 1988, playing for the New York Rangers and later the Quebec Nordiques before retiring again in 1991. He is one of only three players to return to the NHL after being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.
Since his passing on April 22, 2022, at the age of 70, Lafleur's legacy has been further cemented with honors such as the renaming of Quebec Autoroute 50 in May 2023 and the recent announcement of the Guy Lafleur Bridge in Montreal. These tributes reflect his lasting impact on the sport and the community. In April 2025, his family invited the public to a special event celebrating his life and legacy. His son, Martin Lafleur, remembers him not only as a hockey legend but also as a remarkable human being and father.
