Ken Dryden, a Hall of Fame goaltender and an accomplished politician, has passed away at age 78. He had been fighting cancer at the time of his passing. The Dryden family, the Montreal Canadien organization and the entire NHL community, as well as politicians and people in all walks of life are mourning the loss of a legend. So let’s recall some of the legacy that Dryden has created.
Canadiens All-Time Great Goalie Ken Dryden has Passed Away
Canadiens owner George Molson had the following to say. “Ken Dryden was an exceptional athlete, but he was also an exceptional man. Behind the mask he was larger than life. We mourn today 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 and communities across generations.”
Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Hon. Ken Dryden, a Canadian hockey legend and hall of famer, public servant and inspiration. He was a 6-time Stanley Cup Champion, 5-time Vezina trophy winner, Minister of Social Development, and dedicated Parliamentarian.
Ken…
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) September 6, 2025
Even Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney had a message, saying: “Few Canadians have given more, or stood taller, for our country.”
Dryden was originally born in Hamilton, Ontario and grew up in and around Toronto. His successful hockey career saw him get drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 1964 NHL Amateur Draft. It is noteworthy that he was traded to the Canadiens within a few days of being drafted by Boston. Moreover, rather than pursue a professional, NHL career at that time, he opted for school. Dryden attended Cornell University where he earned a degree and also helped backstop the club to the 1967 NCAA title.
He would make his NHL debut in 1971 for the Canadiens. He started his NHL career, where he finished it, on top. His first of his six Stanley Cup Championships came in 1971, and his sixth came in his last season, 1978-79. That was after having led the Habs to four consecutive cups.
Recapping his Tremendous Hockey Career and Life
Furthermore, he was one of Team Canada’s goalies during the iconic 1972 Summit Series. Statistically, his numbers after having played for the dominant 1970s Canadiens franchise, still stand among the all-time greats. That is despite having a somewhat shorter than typical career length. His career regular season record was 258-57-74. That included 46 shutouts, a 2.24 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage. His career span included sitting out the entire 1973-74 season to work as a lawyer a Toronto-based firm after having completed his law degree from Montreal’s McGill University. In addition, he was an accomplished author upon the conclusion of his NHL career.
He would eventually get into politics. This included being a Cabinet Minister representing the Liberal Party of Canada in the 2000s. His list of distinguishments are plenty. In his playing career, he was a six-time NHL All-Star. He won the Calder Trophy and five times was awarded the Vezina Trophy as league’s top goaltender. For his political and hockey contributions, the Honourable Ken Dryden was also awarded the Order of Canada. He was elected in the NHL Hall of Fame in 1983.
Dryden is survived by wife Lynda and his two children. As well, he had been predeceased by his NHL-alumni brother, Dave Dryden.
Main Photo: Eric Bolte – Imagn Images
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