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Hockey Hall of Famer and four-time Stanley Cup champion Bob Pulford has died, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced Monday. He was 89.
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 relentless 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.
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Bob Pulford poses for a portrait at the 2011 Lester Patrick Awards in St. Paul RiverCentre. The portrait was taken in St. Paul, Minnesota, October 26, 2011. (Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
“Only ten players in Maple Leaf history scored more goals than Bob, and his impact extended far beyond the score sheet. Known for his intelligence, tenacity and forecheck, Bob played a pivotal role in the Stanley Cup championships of 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1967 – including the 1-6 Finals double-overtime 1-6. Honored member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and named one of the hundred greatest Maple Leafs 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, recording 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.
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1967 Toronto Maple Leaf alumnus Bob Pulford, flanked by Dave Keon (left) and Peter Stemkowski (right), acknowledges the fans during the Keith Magnuson Man of the Year celebration hosted by the NHL Alumni at NHL All-Star Thursday at Scotiabank Arena. The event took place in Toronto, Ontario on February 1, 2024. (John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports)
In his playing career, Pulford recorded 281 goals and 362 assists in 1,079 games. Upon his retirement, he was named Kings coach. He won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s coach of the year in 1975 when the Kings set a franchise record with 105 points, which was matched in 2024-25.
After his time with the Kings, he spent time with the Chicago Blackhawks as both 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 five decades, he was one of only three people to play in the NHL, serve as president of the NHL players’ union, as well as coach and work as a general manager in the league.
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1963 Stanley Cup champions Bob Pulford and Red Kelly take to 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)
“Bob was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a player who won four Stanley Cups with the Toronto Maple Leafs during a 16-season career, and forged an equally influential post-playing career as a coach, GM and executive with the Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks.
“Bob became a friend, advisor and confidant to me – especially in my early years as commissioner – and I had tremendous respect for him and all that he brought to the game. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Roslyn, as well as his children and grandchildren.”
