Bobby Hull Gone at 84

Hockey Hall of Fame member and former NHL goal-scoring leader Bobby Hull has passed away. The ‘Golden Jet’ made his name with the NHL’s Chicago Black Hawks, before continuing his legacy with the Winnipeg Jets of the WHA.

He was 84.

Details surrounding Hull’s passing have not yet been released.

“The Chicago Blackhawks are saddened by the passing of Blackhawks legend Bobby Hull, a superstar for our franchise between 1957 and 1972,” the team wrote in a statement. “Hull is part of an elite group of players who made a historic impact on our hockey club. The Golden Jet helped the Blackhawks win the 1961 Stanley Cup and delivered countless memories to our fans, whom he adored. Generations of Chicagoans were dazzled by Bobby’s shooting prowess, skating skill and overall team leadership that led to 604 career goals, a franchise record that remains to this day. We send our deepest sympathies to the Hull family.”

Signing hockey’s very first million-dollar contract – on Winnipeg’s historic intersection of Portage and Main no less – Hull also made waves with one of the game’s very best slap shots at the time. Retiring as the second-leading goal scorer and ninth overall in points, Hull is looked upon as being one of the most influential players to serve time in both the NHL and WHA.

“When Bobby Hull wound up to take a slapshot, fans throughout the NHL rose to their feet in anticipation and opposing goaltenders braced themselves,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. “During his prime, there was no more prolific goal-scorer in all of hockey. We send our deepest condolences to his son, fellow Hockey Hall of Famer Brett; the entire Hull family; and the countless fans around the hockey world who were fortunate enough to see him play or have since marvelled at his exploits.”

Playing out a 23-year professional career, Hull began with the Chicago Black Hawks in 1957, the Point Anne, ON. product stayed in Chi-town for a total of 15 seasons, before moving north to Winnipeg for eight years when the team was still a member of the WHA. He concluded his playing career with 12 games for the Hartford Whalers following a trade midway through the 1979-80 season – the year the NHL and WHA merged.

“The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club and True North Sports + Entertainment are saddened to learn of the passing of Jets Hall of Famer Bobby Hull,” the Jets shared. “Although Bobby played over 1,000 NHL games, our city will remember him best for the 411 games he played with our WHA Jets, his signature signing at Portage and Main, and the impact he and the Hot Line had in leading the team to Avco Cup wins in 1976 and 1978. Our thoughts go out to family and friends of the Golden Jet.”

The eight-time 50+ goal scorer hit 100 points four times (three in Winnipeg, one in Chicago) while topping out at 142 points in a sensational 1974-75 season in Manitoba to which he put up a career-best 77 goals in 78 games.

Back in 1961, Hull helped Chicago to its first Stanley Cup in what was a span of 23 years. He retired with 913 total goals to his name, as well as 1,808 points in 1,474 games between the WHA and NHL.

“Well, we’re here today because of Bobby’s presence,” said Jets head coach Rick Bowness – who played against Hull. “In 1979, when the World Hockey Association came in, and all of a sudden there were four teams and our league grew very quickly because of Bobby coming here in 1972. His presence, in the whole NHL and, at that point, the World Hockey Association. He helped grow the league to where it is today, and bringing in those four teams from the World Hockey in 1979 and the continued expansion after that. Just an unreal hockey player. His stats will speak for itself, the Hockey Hall of Fame. Just a great hockey player. His impact on our league is very obvious. And it’s the growth of our league, he played a big part in that.”

Hull’s 604 goals remain the top mark by any Chicago player in team history.

He led the NHL in scoring on seven different occasions, while becoming the first player to ever score 50 times in a single season. Hull was a 10-time first-team All-Star, a two-time WHA MVP, a three-time Art Ross Trophy winner and a two-time Hart Trophy winner.

In Winnipeg, Hull’s legacy does continue to live on. Despite him heading to Hartford prior to Bowness’ arrival, there has been many instances of crossover for the current Jets’ bench boss. Although not living in Winnipeg, Hull has been back to the city a number of times, ensuring to catch up with both old and new faces.

“He was a guy that revolutionized the game and was one of the stars and made hockey what it is today. So we wouldn’t be where we are without him,” Jets centreman Mark Scheifele said. “He’s a legend here. He always will be. He’s something that made hockey what it is in the world and especially in Winnipeg. Obviously, his legacy will always be there forever. Obviously, we lost a very good man.”

According to Scheifele, the two met at a past iteration of Scheifele’s golf tournament, to which the Jets’ alternate captain enjoyed a dinner filled with stories from Bobby’s son Brett.

Brett also went on to have a sensational NHL career, to which he currently sits fifth all-time in goals scored and 25th in total points. The two become the first father-son duo to win the Hart Trophy as league MVP.

“Throughout his 84 years, he gave my family — and everyone he met — a tremendous amount of great memories,” Brett Hull said. “Those of us who were lucky enough to spend time with him will cherish those forever. Thank you to everyone that has reached out to share their condolences and their memories of my dad. He will be greatly missed.”

On Monday night, the Blues travelled to Winnipeg to face the Jets, where the teams shared a moment of silence prior to puck drop in honour of Bobby.