Legendary NHL player and Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Bob Pulford passed away on Monday at the age of 89.

Pulford was instrumental in securing Stanley Cup victories for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 1960s. After his playing days, he took on the roles of coach and general manager for the Los Angeles Kings and later the Chicago Blackhawks, beginning in 1977 and spanning several decades.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman praised Pulford’s extensive contributions to hockey, stating, “Bob Pulford significantly influenced the sport. His extraordinary career, extending over 50 years, made him one of only three individuals to play in the NHL, lead as president of the NHL players’ union, and hold coaching and general manager positions in the league.”

Bettman continued, “Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a player, Bob celebrated four Stanley Cup victories with the Toronto Maple Leafs over his 16-season career. His post-playing tenure as a coach, GM, and executive with the Kings and Blackhawks was equally impactful.”

“Bob was a dear friend, advisor, and confidant, especially in my early days as commissioner. I held deep respect for his contributions to the sport. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Roslyn, and his children and grandchildren,” Bettman concluded.

From 1961 through 1968, Pulford scored at least 17 goals in each season and he helped the Leafs win the Stanley Cup in 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1967 during his 14 seasons in Toronto. 

He played two seasons with the Kings after he was traded for Garry Monahan and Brian Murphy in 1970.

Pulford was named the Jack Adams Award winner in 1975  and was head coach of the American team for the 1976 Canada Cup tournament. 

He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991. 

“Bob Pulford was a towering figure in our organization and in the National Hockey League, whose impact spans generations of the game,” Blackhawks chairman & CEO Danny Wirtz said in a statement.

“Following a Hall of Fame-worthy playing career and groundbreaking role as the first president of the NHL Players’ Association, Bob continued to build his legacy in Chicago, where his loyalty to the organization was on display for more than three decades. Whether coach, general manager, senior executive, or even multiple at the same time, Bob wasn’t afraid to serve in whatever role was most needed at the time and take on the different challenges associated with each that seem unthinkable by today’s standards.”