Here's the post I had about him:
Miracle said he was surprised there wasn't a thread, so here it is.
The on-ice achievements are pretty staggering: 507 goals, 6 times first-team All Star, two Hart trophies, the first ever Conn Smythe award, and 10 Stanley Cups. The longest serving captain in the history of the Canadiens. Still one of the four or five best centers ever. A big man for today, much less his time, at 6'3" and 210 lbs, he was a brilliant stickhandler, shooter, passer and almost never lost his cool on the ice.
Off the ice he shined just as much: executive with the Canadiens (meaning his name is on the Cup 17 times, more than any other
team), founder of a charity that raised millions for underprivileged children, and all-around mensch who, almost until his dying day, personally wrote back to every fan who sent him a letter. There are no bad stories about him; they don't exist.
He was offered a seat in the Canadian Senate in the 80s, but turned it down. He was offered the role of Governor-General, the Canadian head of state, in 1994, but also turned it down, preferring to spend time with his wife, daughter, and granddaughters, whose father committed suicide when they were small children. His family will undoubtedly be offered the choice of a state funeral. Repose en paix, le prince du hockey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syMw1PujxVw
https://twitter.com/NHLhistorygirl/status/540016741191929856
https://twitter.com/NHLhistorygirl/status/540016935849582594
