Five-Time NHL All-Star Passes Away At 81

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated May 30, 2026 10:58 PM ET

The Chicago Blackhawks are in mourning this week as former All-Star winger Dennis Hull passed away. He was 81 years old.

Hull played all but one of his NHL seasons for the Blackhawks in a pro career spanning nearly two decades. Between 1969 and 1974 he appeared in five All-Star games and helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 1973.

“The Chicago Blackhawks are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dennis Hull earlier this morning. Dennis enjoyed a distinguished career built on his scoring ability and consistency, leaving lasting contributions not only to the Blackhawks franchise, but to the game itself," Blackhawks Chairman & CEO Danny Wirtz said in a statement on Saturday.

"Known around the league for his immense skill, toughness and intelligence, Dennis was as dominant on the ice as he was beloved off it. He often drew on his sharp wit and sense of humor to keep the locker room loose, while his warmth and humility made everyone he met feel welcome.

"On behalf of the Wirtz family and the entire Blackhawks organization, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dennis’s family, friends and teammates, and the many fans who adored him."

on behalf of the Wirtz family and Chicago Blackhawks organization, we mourn the passing of Dennis Hull❤️

we extend our deepest condolences to the Hull family during this time.https://t.co/oafhCuX63g pic.twitter.com/ZptDCBfGfS
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) May 31, 2026

Tributes to Hull

Hull received tributes from across the NHL sphere on Saturday as fans acknowledged his contributions to the Blackhawks.

"The Silver Jet. Great player and a good man. Condolences to his family and the organization," one user wrote on X.

"Great guy. Funny as hell and loved making people laugh. RIP #10," wrote another.

"RIP a key member of my beloved MPH line I so adored in early days of hockey," a third said.

"Condolences and prayers to family. Loved watching him play."

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Dennis Hull was the younger brother of NHL legend Bobby Hull, who passed away in 2023. Bobby Hull's son, Brett Hull, was an NHL legend in his own right, making nine All-Star games and two Stanley Cup titles during his career.

Hull long acknowledged that he was second- or third-best hockey player in his own family and took it in stride, even writing a book entitled "The Third Best Hull." He once joked that he might have been the fourth best if his sister had been allowed to play.

Our hearts go out to Hull's family and loved ones.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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