The Greatest Hockey Players of All Time: Then vs. Now

After retiring in the mid-1980s (with a brief comeback in the late ’80s), Lafleur remained one of hockey’s most beloved ambassadors. He was a fixture at charity events, Canadiens ceremonies, and NHL celebrations. His popularity in Quebec and across Canada endured long after his playing days ended.

He is remembered as one of the sport’s most charismatic icons, celebrated for both his on-ice artistry and off-ice grace. Though his life after hockey was quieter, Lafleur remained a central figure in Canadian hockey culture, embodying the golden age of the Montreal Canadiens.