NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Hockey Hall of Famer and four-time Stanley Cup champion Bob Pulford has died, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced Monday. He was 89 years old.
Pulford, whose cause of death was not immediately known, was a key member of the Maple Leafs’ Stanley Cup-winning teams in 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1967.
“We mourn the passing of Bob Pulford, one of the all-time greats in Maple Leafs history. A fierce competitor and respected leader, Bob wore the blue and white with pride and left a lasting mark on the franchise,” the Maple Leafs said in a statement.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Bob Pulford poses for a portrait at the 2011 Lester Patrick Awards at the St. Paul RiverCentre. The portrait was taken in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 26, 2011. (Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
“Only ten players in Maple Leafs history have scored more goals than Bob, and his impact extended far beyond the scoresheet. Known for his intelligence, tenacity and forechecking, Bob played a vital role in Stanley Cup championships in 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1967 – including scoring the Game 3 winner in double overtime in the Stanley Cup Final. 1967. Honored member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and named one of the Maple Leafs’ Hundred Greatest during the club’s centennial season, Bob Pulford’s legacy is forever woven into the fabric of this franchise.”
Pulford spent 14 seasons with the Maple Leafs and recorded 251 goals and 312 assists in 947 games in Toronto. He was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 1970 and spent two seasons with them.
NHL STAR DISAPPOINTED TO BE LEFT OUT OF TEAM USA’S OLYMPIC LINEUP: ‘I THOUGHT MY GAME THIS YEAR WAS WORTHY’
1967 Toronto Maple Leafs alumnus Bob Pulford, flanked by Dave Keon (left) and Peter Stemkowski (right), waves to fans during the NHL Alumni’s Keith Magnuson Man of the Year celebration during the NHL All-Star show Thursday at Scotiabank Arena. The event took place in Toronto, Ontario on February 1, 2024. (John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports)
During his playing career, Pulford recorded 281 goals and 362 assists in 1,079 matches. Upon his retirement, he was named coach of the Kings. He won the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year in 1975, when the Kings set a team record with 105 points, which was matched in 2024–25.
After his time with the Kings, he spent time with the Chicago Blackhawks as head coach and general manager.
“Bob Pulford left an indelible mark on the game,” commissioner Gary Bettman said, according to NHL.com. “In a remarkable career that spanned more than five decades, he was one of only three people to play in the NHL, serve as president of the NHL players’ union, and serve as a coach and general manager of the League.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
1963 Stanley Cup champions Bob Pulford and Red Kelly take the ice during a ceremony commemorating the team’s 50th anniversary before NHL action at the Air Canada Centre. The ceremony took place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on February 16, 2013. (Abelimages/Getty Images)
“Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a player who won four Stanley Cups with the Toronto Maple Leafs over a 16-season career, Bob forged an equally storied post-playing career as a coach, general manager and executive with the Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks.
“Bob became a friend, advisor and confidant to me – particularly during my early years as Commissioner – and I had immense respect for him and all he gave to the game. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Roslyn, and his children and grandchildren.”
