Trending: Hockey Mourns an Icon
The hockey world is in mourning following the death of Ken Dryden, a Hall of Fame goaltender and cornerstone of the Montreal Canadiens’ 1970s dynasty, who passed away on September 5, 2025, at age 78. Dryden, who succumbed to cancer at his home in Montreal, leaves behind a legacy as one of the sport’s greatest players and a towering figure in Canadian society, celebrated for his contributions on and off the ice.
A Titan in the Crease
The Montreal Canadiens announced Dryden’s passing on September 6, 2025, stating he died peacefully surrounded by family. “Ken Dryden was an exceptional athlete, but he was also an exceptional man,” said Canadiens owner Geoff Molson. “Behind the mask, he was larger than life. We mourn not only the loss of the cornerstone of one of hockey’s greatest dynasties but also a family man, a thoughtful citizen, and a gentleman who deeply impacted our lives.”
Dryden’s eight-year NHL career (1970–79) was nothing short of extraordinary. Debuting with the Canadiens in 1971, he played just six regular-season games before leading the team to a stunning Stanley Cup victory, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. He went on to win five more Stanley Cups (1973, 1976–79), five Vezina Trophies as the league’s top goaltender, and the 1972 Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. His career stats—258-57-74 record, .922 save percentage, 2.24 goals-against average, and 46 shutouts—remain among the best in NHL history.
Known for his iconic pose—resting his blocker and glove on his stick—Dryden retired at 31 in 1979 after four consecutive championships. His No. 29 jersey was retired by the Canadiens in 2007, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
Beyond the Rink: A Multifaceted Legacy
Dryden’s impact extended far beyond hockey. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, on August 8, 1947, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in history at Cornell University, where he led the Big Red to the 1967 NCAA title with a 76-4-1 record and a .939 save percentage, records that still stand. After briefly retiring in 1973–74 over a contract dispute to earn a law degree from McGill University, he returned to anchor Montreal’s dynasty.
Post-retirement, Dryden’s career was remarkably diverse. He authored The Game, a seminal book on hockey, and served as a professor, Olympic analyst, and president of the Toronto Maple Leafs (1997–2004). Elected to Canada’s Parliament in 2004, he served as Minister of Social Development until 2011 and was awarded the Order of Canada in 2012 for his contributions to public life. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called him “Big Canada. And Best Canada,” reflecting his profound influence.
Dryden also played a key role in the 1972 Summit Series, splitting goaltending duties for Canada against the Soviet Union, a cultural touchstone during the Cold War. His reflections in The Series (2022) captured the intensity of that historic clash.
The Cancer Battle and Its Impact
Details of Dryden’s illness were not publicly disclosed, but his family requested privacy, suggesting donations to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre or the Concussion Legacy Foundation in his memory. The hockey community has rallied in tribute, with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman praising Dryden’s “immediate and lasting impact” on the sport and his nation.
The loss comes amid a wave of health-related concerns in hockey, with increased focus on long-term effects of concussions. Dryden’s advocacy for player safety and his support for concussion research resonate deeply, as the sport grapples with protecting its athletes.
Next Steps: Honoring a Legend
The Canadiens plan to honor Dryden during the 2025–26 season, with tributes likely including a moment of silence and potential jersey patches. Fans and analysts are also pushing for greater recognition of his off-ice contributions, with calls for a posthumous award from the Hockey Hall of Fame for his societal impact. The suggested donations to cancer and concussion research underscore Dryden’s commitment to improving lives, encouraging fans to contribute to these causes.
Conclusion: A Legacy That Transcends Hockey
Ken Dryden’s death at 78 marks the end of an era for hockey and Canada. From his unparalleled dominance as a goaltender to his roles as an author, politician, and advocate, Dryden embodied excellence and integrity. For fans, the takeaway is clear: celebrate his legacy by supporting the causes he championed and remembering a man who stood tall—on the ice and beyond.