Trending: Hockey Loses a Legend
The hockey community is grieving the loss of Ken Dryden, a Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender and cornerstone of the Montreal Canadiens’ 1970s dynasty, who passed away on September 5, 2025, at age 78. Dryden, who died after a battle with cancer, was not only a six-time Stanley Cup champion but also a transformative figure in Canadian society, leaving an enduring legacy as a player, author, politician, and advocate.
A Giant in Goal
The Montreal Canadiens confirmed Dryden’s death on September 6, 2025, noting he passed peacefully at his home in Montreal. “Ken Dryden was an exceptional athlete, but he was also an exceptional man,” said team owner Geoff Molson. “Behind the mask, he was larger than life. We mourn the loss of a cornerstone of one of hockey’s greatest dynasties and a gentleman who deeply impacted our lives.”
Dryden’s NHL career, spanning 1970 to 1979, was remarkable for its brevity and brilliance. After just six regular-season games in 1971, he led the Canadiens to an upset Stanley Cup victory, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. He went on to win five more 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—a 258-57-74 record, .922 save percentage, 2.24 goals-against average, and 46 shutouts—rank among the NHL’s best. His iconic pose, resting his blocker and glove on his stick, became a symbol of his calm dominance.
Beyond the Ice: A Multifaceted Legacy
Born August 8, 1947, in Hamilton, Ontario, Dryden took an unconventional path. Drafted by the Boston Bruins in 1964 but traded to Montreal, he prioritized education, earning a history degree from Cornell University, where he posted a 76-4-1 record and led the Big Red to the 1967 NCAA title. After a brief retirement in 1973–74 to complete a law degree at McGill University, he returned to anchor Montreal’s dynasty, retiring at 31 after four straight championships.
Dryden’s post-hockey career was equally illustrious. His book The Game (1983) is considered a literary classic, offering profound insights into hockey and life. He served as a broadcaster, professor, and president of the Toronto Maple Leafs (1997–2004). Elected to Canada’s Parliament in 2004, he was Minister of Social Development until 2011 and received the Order of Canada in 2012. Dryden also played a pivotal role in the 1972 Summit Series, splitting goaltending duties in Canada’s iconic victory over the Soviet Union, later chronicled in his 2022 book The Series.
“Ken Dryden was Big Canada. And he was Best Canada,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted on social media, reflecting his national impact.
The Cancer Battle and Its Ripple Effects
Dryden’s family disclosed that he died of cancer but requested privacy, directing donations to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre or the Concussion Legacy Foundation. His advocacy for player safety, particularly around concussions, had grown in recent years, aligning with increased scrutiny of hockey’s health risks. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman praised Dryden’s “immediate and lasting impact on the NHL, the Canadiens franchise, and the goaltending position.”
The timing of his death amplifies ongoing discussions about health in sports, with the hockey community advocating for better medical support and research into long-term player welfare.
Next Steps: Honoring a Legend
The Canadiens plan to commemorate Dryden during the 2025–26 season, potentially with a moment of silence, video tributes, or jersey patches. His No. 29, retired in 2007, remains a fixture at Montreal’s Bell Centre. Fans and analysts are also renewing calls for a special Hockey Hall of Fame recognition for his off-ice contributions, building on his 1983 induction. Donations to cancer and concussion research, as requested by his family, offer a way for fans to honor his legacy.
Conclusion: A Legacy That Endures
Ken Dryden’s passing at 78 leaves a void in hockey and beyond. His unmatched goaltending, intellectual contributions, and public service redefined what it means to be a sports icon. For fans across the U.S. and Canada, the takeaway is clear: Dryden’s life inspires us to pursue excellence, advocate for change, and leave a lasting impact—on the ice and in the world.