MONTREAL — Ken Dryden, one of hockey’s most revered figures and a man whose impact stretched far beyond the ice, died September 5, 2025, following a battle with cancer. He was 78. The Montreal Canadiens confirmed his death Saturday, noting that his family has requested privacy during this time of mourning.
Dryden’s passing marks the loss of a towering figure in both Canadian sport and public life. Standing 6-foot-4, the goaltender redefined the position during the Canadiens’ dominant run in the 1970s, leading the team to six Stanley Cup championships in just eight full seasons. Known for his calm demeanor and precise positioning, Dryden became a symbol of poise under pressure, earning five Vezina Trophies and a Conn Smythe Trophy along the way. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1947, Dryden followed an unconventional path to stardom. Drafted by the Boston Bruins in 1964, he was traded to Montreal before ever suiting up for Boston. While developing his game, he simultaneously pursued academics, earning a law degree from McGill University—an achievement that foreshadowed his wide-ranging career beyond hockey.
His NHL debut in 1971 remains one of the league’s most remarkable stories. Called up late in the season, Dryden immediately led Montreal to a Stanley Cup title, capturing the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP. Over the next decade, he anchored a Canadiens dynasty that remains one of the most dominant in professional sports history.
After retiring at just 31, Dryden embarked on a career as varied as it was influential. He practiced law, authored several acclaimed books—including The Game, widely considered among the finest works ever written about hockey—served as a broadcaster, and later took on executive roles in professional hockey, including president of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
His influence extended well into public service. As a Liberal Member of Parliament for York Centre from 2004 to 2011, Dryden served as Minister of Social Development, where he championed initiatives related to childcare, education, and social welfare. His advocacy for youth and community programs reflected the same dedication and discipline that defined his time in goal.
Tributes have poured in from across Canada, the hockey world, and political circles, remembering Dryden not only for his on-ice brilliance but also for his thoughtful leadership and unwavering commitment to public life.
Ken Dryden leaves behind a legacy that spans championship banners, bestselling books, and a model of how athletes can transcend sport to shape society. His passing represents a profound loss for Canada, but his influence will endure for generations to come.