'One of the Most Respected' Hockey Hall of Famers Dies at 89
In the history of the NHL, a staggering number of players have gotten to compete on the ice. As a result, there has been a lot of competition, both to win games and make a mark on the sport's history. There has been an elite group of players who've been able to win both of those things and the hearts of hockey fans around the world.
In January 2026, the hockey world was saddened to learn that one of its own had passed away. During that legendary player's life, they accomplished more on and off the ice than most players and NHL executives could ever even dream of doing.
Legendary Hockey Executive and Hall of Famer Bob Pulford Has Died at 89 Years Old
On January 5th, 2025 The Associated Press published an article stating that Bob Pulford had passed away at 89 years old. The news was shared with the outlet by a spokesperson for the NHL Alumni Association on that date. However, the report stated that no other information had been revealed about Pulford's passing.
A January 5th, 2025 Toronto Star article about Pulford's passing revealed details about his family, including that his wife was named Roslyn Pulford and that they shared four children together. Pulford's children are Wanda Lombardi, Rob Pulford, Lindsay Barrett, and Jennifer MacRitchie. The couple's family also included several grandchildren. Pulford was born in Newton Robinson, Ontario, and grew up in Weston.
Bob Pulford Was a Hall of Famer Who Was Named 'One of the Most Respected Figures in the History of Hockey'
After Bob Puflord's passing, The NHL Alumni Association published a tribute to his incredible life on its X account. As a part of that post, the respected association described Pulford in a way that anyone from the sport who made him a star could be proud of. In the same sentence that expressed sadness at his passing, Pulford was called "one of the most respected figures in the history of hockey."
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bob Pulford, one of the most respected figures in the history of hockey. Bob’s remarkable career spanned decades and left an enduring mark on the game at every level.
— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) January 5, 2026
As a player, Bob proudly wore the sweaters of the Toronto Maple Leafs… pic.twitter.com/b4pD7z7Igp
Looking back at Pulford's list of accomplishments, it is extremely easy to see why that description is very fitting. After all, an NHL.com article which chronicled his career detailed Pulford's biggest accomplishments, including winning four Stanley Cup championships as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs between 1962 and 1967. Pulford also played in the NHL All-Star game five times and scored 643 points in the 1,079 regular-season games he competed in. Thanks to those accomplishments and more, Pulford was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991.
After his career as a hockey player ended, Pulford continued to be a key figure in the sports' world. He went on to work for the Chicago Blackhawks off the ice for 30 years. Pulford served in roles like coach, general manager, and senior vice president as the team made it to the playoffs 20 times during his tenure. Pulford was also a coach for the Los Angeles Kings for five years before that, and won the Jack Adams Award for NHL Coach of the Year for his work with that team in 1975. Pulford also notably became the first president of the National Hockey League Players' Association.