Few franchises in sports can claim the rich legacy of the Montreal Canadiens. Built on decades of grit, talent, and passion, this team became a hockey dynasty defined by legends whose names still echo in arenas and history books alike.
From the early pioneers who laid the NHL foundation to the superstars with unmatched skill, their story is a tapestry woven with iconic performances and championship glory. Each era brought forth players who changed the game.
This list revisits those exceptional athletes whose contributions carved the Canadiens’ identity. It’s a journey through time, highlighting the legends whose dedication and talent helped shape one of hockey’s most celebrated chapters.
25. Claude Lemieux
Arriving in Montreal as a young winger in 1983, Claude Lemieux quickly earned a reputation for playoff perturbance. In the 1986 postseason, he became the first rookie ever to net a Game 7 overtime winner when Montreal knocked out Hartford—a moment that signaled his emergence as a postseason stalwart.
Though he would later lift Stanley Cups with New Jersey and Colorado, his clutch instincts—and equally divisive edge—began in a Canadiens uniform. Over a 21-year NHL career, he amassed an astonishing 80 playoff goals, making him one of the most feared competitors when the stakes were highest. His fire and reputation as a sparring playoff presence rounded out Montreal’s identity in transition to a new era.
24. Henri Richard
Henri Richard, known as the “Pocket Rocket,” crafted a legacy entirely his own—beyond his legendary brother. Over 20 seasons (1955–75) all with Montreal, he tallied 1,046 points and a franchise-best 1,256 games played, anchoring a record-setting 11 Stanley Cups, more than any player in NHL history.
Twice he scored Cup-clinching goals—one in overtime (1966) and again in Game 7 of 1971. Elevated to captain in his final seasons, his leadership and versatility underlay Montreal’s dominance across multiple dynasties. His modesty off the ice contrasted with his presence in it, becoming an exemplary ambassador until his passing in 2020.
23. Chris Chelios
While Chris Chelios is often associated with Chicago and Detroit, his early years in Montreal set the stage for his Hall of Fame career. Drafted 40th overall in 1981, Chelios debuted with the Canadiens in 1984, bringing electrifying speed and relentless physicality to the blue line.
He recorded nearly 400 points in a Canadiens sweater before departing in 1990. His time in Montreal shaped his identity as a puck-moving defenseman who thrived under pressure—a foundation he carried into legendary longevity across three decades. Though his greatest team successes came elsewhere, his Montreal roots helped define a career marked by adaptability and intensity.
22. André Savard
André Savard joined Montreal’s youth pipeline in the late 1960s and cemented himself as a two-way centre and playoff performer through the early ’70s. Though overshadowed by bigger names, his 40-goal, 79-point season in 1971‑72 showcased a versatile hockey IQ paired with grit.
Integral to the Canadiens’ three consecutive Stanley Cups from 1968 to 1971, his disciplined elite faceoff play and tireless work ethic provided a stabilizing presence. After retiring, he returned to hockey as a respected coach and GM, shaping future Montreal contenders from the front office.
21. Pete Mahovlich
At 6’5″, “Little M” combined finesse and flair to become one of the Canadiens’ most elegant weapons. Traded to Montreal in 1969, Pete Mahovlich soon blossomed into a point-per-game center, posting an astounding 117-point season in 1974–75—an NHL record for assists (82) notched behind Lafleur and Shutt on the famed big line.
Across nine seasons, he totaled 223 goals, nearly 0.87 points per game, and captured four Stanley Cups. His flashy deke moves and deceptive playmaking earned him admiration—Red Fisher dubbed him “the most underrated Canadien ever”. Though overshadowed by bigger names, his graceful skill and team-first mentality left a subtle but lasting imprint on Montreal’s success.
20. Ken Reardon
A tough, no-nonsense defenseman, Ken Reardon emerged in the 1940s as Montreal’s rugged cornerstone. Drafted into the NHL in 1940, he bolted into the blue line with fearless physicality and relentless endurance—even enlisting in WWII mid‑career and returning to win the Cup in 1946.
Over seven NHL seasons he earned five All-Star selections, twice named to the First Team. His grit off the ice matched his on-ice drive—as vice-president of the Canadiens, he helped build teams that won five more Stanley Cups from 1956 to 1960. Known for his direct rushes and uncompromising presence, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1966—his legacy bridging player and executive excellence.
19. Claude Provost
Underrated but indispensable, Claude Provost carved his niche in the shadows of Montreal’s dynasties from 1955 to 1970. A masterful checker, he glided into position with uncanny discipline, shadowing legends like Bobby Hull with tactical precision. Despite modest scoring (254 goals, 589 points across 1,005 games), his unselfish style and persistence helped secure nine Stanley Cups, more than any non‑Hall‑of‑Famer ever.
In 1965 he was named to the NHL First All-Star Team and, in 1968, became the inaugural winner of the Bill Masterton Trophy for his perseverance. His four‑second goal to start a period remains an NHL record—and a testament to his always‑ready impact. Though quiet in the public eye, teammates called him “the ultimate shadow”—his subtle genius a true pillar behind Montreal’s success.
18. Dickie Moore
Dickie Moore’s era-defining grit cemented him as a deep-ice threat in Montreal’s dynasty years. Emerging from the Canadiens’ junior pipeline in the early 1950s, he evolved into a dominant scorer—leading the NHL with 96 points in the 1958–59 season, even while playing the final months with a broken wrist in a full cast.
His refusal to give in to injury and fierce team-first mentality turned him into a legend. He captured six Stanley Cups with Montreal, often lining up alongside both Richard brothers, earning the nickname “Digging Dickie” for his tenacious style.
Despite missing over a season to injury, he returned twice from retirement—once at 37 to help the St. Louis Blues reach the Cup Final—showcasing longevity few could match. He retired with 261 goals and 608 points and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974; his number 12 now hangs in Montreal rafters in tribute shared with Yvan Cournoyer.
17. Steve Shutt
Standing at just under six feet, Steve Shutt was a silent storm on Montreal’s left wing. Drafted fourth overall in 1972, he swiftly became Lafleur’s linemate in one of the NHL’s most feared lines. In 1977, he became the first left winger in league history to score 60 goals in a season—achieving that feat in just his fifth year while anchoring five Stanley Cup victories between 1973 and 1979.
His understated work ethic and precise finishing earned him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame (1993), yet he remained a quiet fixture—dubbed “the backbone” by teammates—for his two-way reliability and clutch performances during playoff runs. Outside the rink, he returned to Montreal as assistant coach and later as broadcaster, always carrying the same calm authority that defined his career.
16. Red Berenson
Red Berenson, a skilled and cerebral center, brought a polished finesse to the Canadiens in the early 1960s. While his tenure in Montreal was relatively brief, he contributed to the 1965 Stanley Cup championship and showcased a versatile offensive game. He later achieved fame as an influential coach and mentor, underscoring the Canadiens’ tradition of developing talent both on and off the ice.
15. Toe Blake
Hector “Toe” Blake was a tenacious winger whose grit and determination anchored Montreal’s powerhouse teams in the 1930s and 40s. After a decorated playing career that included a Hart Trophy and multiple Stanley Cups, he transitioned seamlessly to coaching. As head coach from 1955 to 1968, he led the Canadiens to an astounding eight Stanley Cups, crafting a dynasty built on discipline, skill, and strategic brilliance.
14. Elmer Lach
Elmer Lach was the cerebral heart of the legendary “Punch Line,” alongside Toe Blake and Maurice Richard. His unselfish playmaking and keen vision made him a master of the ice, leading the NHL in scoring twice and winning the Hart Trophy in 1945. His leadership and steady presence helped Montreal capture three Stanley Cups during the 1940s, cementing his role as one of the most influential centers of his generation.
13. Serge Savard
Known on ice as “The Senator,” Serge Savard anchored Montreal’s famed “Big Three” defense alongside Lapointe and Robinson. His defensive composure and crisp outlet passing were critical as the Canadiens captured eight Stanley Cups between 1968 and 1979.
Named playoff MVP with the Conn Smythe in 1969, he elevated every game with disciplined two-way excellence. Later, as GM, he orchestrated the 1986 and 1993 Cup-winning rosters—Montreal’s last championships to date. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986, his #18 hangs quietly but proudly in Bell Centre rafters.
12. Yvan Cournoyer
Dubbed “The Roadrunner”, Yvan Cournoyer’s explosive acceleration made him a constant threat on Montreal’s power-play units. In the early 1970s he posted seasons of 40-plus goals, finishing his career with 428 regular-season goals and 863 points.
In 1973 he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, his pressure-performance cementing several Cup triumphs. Though injuries eventually slowed him, his speed and composure in clutch moments made him one of the most thrilling Habs of his era.
11. Bob Gainey
A born competitor, Bob Gainey arrived in Montreal in 1973 and redefined the forward role through relentless defense. Though modest offensively, his ability to neutralize elite scorers earned him four consecutive Selke Trophies starting in 1978—the first recipient ever.
As captain, he helped lift the Stanley Cup in 1986, his fifth ring, sealing his legend with a Conn Smythe nod for shutdown dominance in playoffs. Beyond his scoring totals (239 goals, 501 points across 1,160 NHL games), his identity became synonymous with work ethic, grit, and championship foundation for the dynasty.
10. Larry Robinson
A towering defenseman known as “Big Bird”, Larry Robinson combined brute strength with sublime puck control. He anchored the blue line through Montreal’s late‑1970s dynasty, capturing six Stanley Cups and earning Conn Smythe honors in 1978. His seamless transitions from defense to offense redefined the role of a modern NHL blueliner.
9. Saku Koivu
When Saku Koivu took the captaincy in 1999, he symbolized resilience and leadership—coming back from battling cancer to lead the team through dark years. His two-way play and humility set a new emotional tone. Though not trove-heavy in stats, his personal journey and integrity made him a beloved staple of Canadiens lore.
8. Patrick Roy
Patrick Roy arrived in 1985 as a fiery rookie and swiftly defined an era. His clutch playoff heroics—most notably leading Montreal to two Stanley Cups in 1986 and 1993—and fearless style established him as a cornerstone of the Canadiens’ modern dynasty. He recorded over 2,000 NHL games, earning both Conn Smythe and Vezina Trophies. His intensity and competitiveness immortalized him as one of the greatest netminders ever.
7. Howie Morenz
Nicknamed “The Mitchell Meteor”, Howie Morenz burst into the NHL in the early 1920s with explosive speed and a revolutionary style. He dominated the league as a center, winning three Hart Trophies and leading Montreal to three Stanley Cups before his tragic death in 1937 following an injury at the Forum. His funeral, broadcast across Canada, underscored his immense impact: his No. 7 was the first jersey the team ever retired.
6. Ken Dryden
As imposing as he was cerebral, Ken Dryden burst onto the scene in 1971 and, in just six regular‑season games, lifted both the Stanley Cup and the Conn Smythe Trophy (before later winning the Calder). Over seven full seasons, he posted an impressive 92.2 % save percentage, six Cups, and five Vezinas.
His height and signature stance earned him nicknames like “the four‑story goalie” and “the thieving giraffe.” After retiring, he became a writer, lawyer, and politician, maintaining the same level of distinction.
5. Doug Harvey
With his modest demeanor and masterful puck control, Doug Harvey transformed modern defense. He arrived in Montreal in 1947 and dominated the blue line with tactical elegance, earning seven Norris Trophies and 10 First All‑Star Team selections. An intellectual icon of the game, he also led the team as captain in 1960. His influence extended beyond the ice, patiently shaping the club’s tactical identity.
4. Jacques Plante
Jacques Plante revolutionized the goaltender position with his calm demeanor and pioneering spirit. Joining the Canadiens in the early 1950s, he became the first goalie to regularly wear a protective mask during games, changing hockey forever.
His quick reflexes and positional intelligence led Montreal to six Stanley Cups and earned him the Vezina Trophy seven times. His blend of innovation and skill transformed the way goalies approached the game, establishing him as a true trailblazer in NHL history.
3. Guy Lafleur
In the mid‑1970s, Guy Lafleur emerged as Montreal’s dazzling offensive force—becoming the first NHL player to rack up six consecutive 50‑goal, 100‑point seasons, all in a Canadiens sweater.
Leading the league in scoring three straight years and bagging four straight Stanley Cups from 1976 to 1979, he redefined elegance and speed in the high‑octane era. With franchise records in both goals and assists, his number‑10 remains one of the most revered in Montreal history.
2. Jean Béliveau
Towering at 6’3″, Jean Béliveau joined the Canadiens in the early 1950s and would go on to become the ultimate gentleman‑leader of the franchise. Blessed with graceful puck‑handling, devastating wrist shot and innate poise, he amassed 1,219 NHL points and won the Hart Trophy twice and the inaugural Conn Smythe Trophy in 196. He lifted the Stanley Cup ten times as a player, and another seven times later in the front office, embodying class and dignity both on and off the ice.
1. Maurice “Rocket” Richard
A ferocious right wing, Maurice “Rocket” Richard burst onto the NHL scene in 1942 and soon became the first player ever to score 50 goals in 50 games (in 1944‑45). His 544 goals stood as an NHL record at retirement.
On the ice he combined raw speed, intense competitiveness and uncanny scoring instinct; off it, he was a symbol of French‑Canadian pride whose 1955 suspension triggered the famed Richard Riot—a flashpoint in Quebec’s cultural history. Winner of eight Stanley Cups with Montreal, his legacy endures in the trophy bearing his name today.