Drafted first overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft, Lafleur entered the league with high expectations. Initially, he faced the challenge of living up to the legacy of Canadiens legend Jean Béliveau, whose number 4 jersey he inherited. Lafleur's early years in the NHL were marked by steady development, but it was in the mid-1970s that he truly began to shine.
During the 1974-75 season, Lafleur broke through as a dominant force, scoring 53 goals and 66 assists for a total of 119 points. This performance marked the beginning of six consecutive seasons where he scored at least 50 goals and 100 points. Lafleur's offensive prowess was a key component of the Canadiens' success during this era, as the team captured four consecutive Stanley Cup championships from 1976 to 1979.
Lafleur's playing style was characterized by his smooth skating and powerful shot, earning him the nickname "The Flower." He was known for his ability to accelerate past defenders and his knack for scoring clutch goals. His on-ice vision and playmaking skills made him a constant threat to opposing teams, and he quickly became a fan favorite in Montreal.
Throughout his career with the Canadiens, Lafleur received numerous accolades. He won the Art Ross Trophy as the league's leading scorer three times (1976, 1977, 1978) and was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player twice (1977, 1978). Additionally, he earned the Lester B. Pearson Award (now known as the Ted Lindsay Award) three times, as voted by his fellow players.
Lafleur's influence extended beyond his scoring ability. He was a leader on and off the ice, known for his sportsmanship and dedication to the game. His contributions to the Canadiens' dynasty of the 1970s solidified his place as one of the franchise's all-time greats.
In 1984, Lafleur made the surprising decision to retire from professional hockey, citing a lack of motivation and enjoyment in the game. However, his retirement was short-lived. In 1988, he made a comeback with the New York Rangers, becoming the first player in NHL history to return to the league after being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Lafleur played one season with the Rangers before joining the Quebec Nordiques, where he spent two more seasons before retiring for good in 1991.
Lafleur's career statistics are a testament to his skill and consistency. Over 1,126 regular-season games, he amassed 560 goals and 793 assists, totaling 1,353 points. In 128 playoff games, he added 58 goals and 76 assists, further highlighting his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Beyond his on-ice achievements, Lafleur's legacy is also defined by his impact on the sport in Quebec and Canada as a whole. He inspired a generation of young players and remains an iconic figure in the hockey world. His number 10 jersey was retired by the Montreal Canadiens in 1985, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988.
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