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Ken Dryden, Montreal Canadiens (Photo by Denis Brodeur/NHLI/via Getty Images)

Legendary Canadiens’ Goalie Ken Dryden Passes Away at 78

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Andrew Forbes | Last updated Sep 6, 2025 3:06 AM ET

Friday was a sad day for the hockey world as former Montreal Canadiens goalie and Canadian legend Ken Dryden passed away at the age of 78 following his battle with cancer. Dryden is remembered for more than just what he provided on the ice, but also as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ front office before careers in law, education and politics.

Dryden was born on August 8, 1947, in Hamilton, Ontario. He played U.S. collegiate hockey at Cornell University and was selected by the Boston Bruins with the 14th overall selection at the 1964 NHL Draft. Eventually, he made his NHL debut with the Canadiens in March 1971 – the start of an illustrious hockey career.

Ken Dryden’s Playing Career

Dryden’s first NHL postseason came following six regular season games with the Canadiens in 1970-71. He helped lead the team to the Stanley Cup Final, securing hockey’s holy grail in just his first season with the team. On top of that, Dryden was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff’s most valuable player in his first postseason run.

Ken Dryden, Hall of Fame goaltender and six-time Stanley Cup champion with the Montreal Canadiens, has passed away at the age of 78. pic.twitter.com/L8JqQ95kSp
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 6, 2025

His career only took off further from that point. The following season, he collected the Calder Trophy as the league’s rookie of the year. He was a part of five more Stanley Cup teams with the Canadiens, including four straight from from 1975-76 to 1978-79.

He was also a five-time Vezina Trophy winner – locking up the award form 1975 to 1979 making him one of the most dominant goaltenders of his time.

Ken Dryden, Montreal Canadiens (Photo by Denis Brodeur/NHLI/via Getty Images)

Dryden retired relatively early at the age of 31, but accomplished a bunch before he did. He finished with 258 wins, 57 losses and 74 ties with a career save percentage (SV%) of .922 and 2.24 goals against average (GAA).

He helped backstop Canada to a win at the Summit Series against the Soviet Union – a journey he would eventually write about in his post-career as he opened up another career in writing. Dryden helped Canada win in eight games with the help the memorable Paul Henderson goal that helped them win.

Dryden Chases Bigger Dreams

Following his career, Dryden joined the Maple Leafs as the president from 1997 to 2004 which was a promising stint for the team who saw two Eastern Conference Final appearances during his tenure. He would eventually go on to write multiple books – including The Game, The Series and a biographical piece on Scotty Bowman, another NHL legend.

He eventually made it into law and taught at various universities in Canada, becoming a member of the Liberal party in 2004 when he was named minister of social development under Prime Minister Paul Martin.

Dryden held his seat even during questionable times for the party in 2006 and 2008, running his political career the same way he did on the ice – with class and poise – creating longevity for him no matter the career or task.

Ken Dryden, Montreal Canadiens (Photo by Robert Shaver/Bruce Bennett Collection/Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images)

Dryden’s influence on Canada and the game of hockey have been well-documented and as such, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983, as soon as he was eligible to go in.

He was also named to the NHL’s top-100 list, another defining accomplishment of his tenure in the hockey world.

Dryden, who is survived by his wife Lynda and their two children, will remain a household name for years to come – for both hockey fans and those involved in Canadian politics.