Ken Dryden, the legendary Hall of Fame goalie who backstopped the Montreal Canadiens to six Stanley Cups in the 1970s and later distinguished himself as an author, television analyst, hockey executive, and Canadian Parliament member, has died at the age of 78. After a battle with cancer, he passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025.

Born on August 8, 1947, in Hamilton, Ontario, Kenneth Wayne Dryden charted an unconventional course for an elite Canadian hockey prospect, opting for college hockey at Cornell University. There, he led the Big Red to their first NCAA championship in 1967, boasting an impressive 76-4-1 record over three seasons. Dryden made his debut with the Montreal Canadiens in March 1971. That spring, he took over the net from veteran Rogie Vachon, guiding the team to a Stanley Cup victory and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs. The following year, he received the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie.

Dryden's impact on the NHL was immediate and lasting. He won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens and was a five-time Vezina Trophy winner. His number 29 was retired by the Canadiens in 2007, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983. Dryden was also a crucial part of the historic 1972 Summit Series, where he started and won the deciding eighth game against the U.S.S.R. His imposing presence in goal, often resting his chin on his stick during breaks, became an iconic image of the era.

Beyond his achievements on the ice, Dryden was known for his intellectual pursuits and thoughtful perspectives on the game. At the height of his hockey career, he took a break in the 1973-74 season to complete his law degree at McGill University. After retiring from hockey at age 31, he transitioned into roles as a lawyer, teacher, broadcaster, and hockey executive. From 1997 to 2004, he served as president of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Dryden was also a gifted writer, with his 1983 book "The Game" widely considered a sports literature classic.

In 2004, Dryden entered public service and was elected as the Liberal MP for York Centre in Toronto, later serving as Canada's Minister of Social Development until 2006. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada and received the Order of Hockey in Canada, recognizing his contributions to both sports and society.

Geoff Molson, the owner, and president of the Montreal Canadiens, described Dryden as "an exceptional athlete" and "an exceptional man". Molson added, "Behind the mask, he was larger than life".

Dryden is survived by his wife, Lynda, and their two children. His older brother, Dave Dryden, who also played as an NHL goaltender, passed away in 2022. In honor of Ken Dryden's memory, the family has requested that donations be made to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre or the Concussion Legacy Foundation.