Jean-Guy Talbot

Jean-Guy Talbot (July 11, 1932 – February 22, 2024) was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and coach who played 17 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Talbot made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens during the 1954–55 season. In thirteen seasons with the Canadiens he was a six-time NHL All-Star and part of a dynasty that won seven Stanley Cup Championships. He left the Canadiens after the 1966–67 season, and in 1967-68 he played briefly for the Minnesota North Stars and the Detroit Red Wings before being acquired by the St. Louis Blues, with whom he remained until 1970. He spent his final season as a player with the Buffalo Sabres.

He began his coaching career with the Denver Spurs of the Western Hockey League, winning the Lester Patrick Cup in 1972. He then served as head coach for the St. Louis Blues from 1972 to 1974. In 1975, he served as head coach for the Denver Spurs/Ottawa Civics of the World Hockey Association until the team folded in early 1976. He held his final head coaching position for the New York Rangers during the 1977–1978 season.

Early life Talbot was born in Cap-de-la-Madeleine on July 11, 1932. His father, Willie, worked as a steamfitter at a paper mill. Talbot initially played as goaltender until he conceded 22 goals in a game for his elementary school. While playing junior hockey, Talbot slashed Scotty Bowman in the head with his stick, causing a fractured skull and ending Bowman's playing career. Talbot consequently received a one-year suspension from the Quebec Amateur Hockey Association. Although this was eventually reduced to nine months, he exceeded the age limit to play junior hockey upon his return. against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. He only played in two other games and spent the rest of that season in the minors, but made the Canadiens' roster the following year. He resigned the position in February 1974. He signed on as head coach for the New York Rangers in 1977, taking over from John Ferguson, with whom he had played during his time with the Canadiens. While with the Rangers, Talbot wore a warm-up suit behind the bench during games, rather than a business suit as most coaches wore.

Personal life Talbot was married to Pierrette Cormier for 72 years until his death.

Talbot died in Trois-Rivières on February 22, 2024, at the age of 91. He was the second-last surviving player out of the twelve that played for all five Canadiens teams that captured an NHL record five straight Stanley Cups between 1956 and 1960.

Coaching record NHL/WHA Source: Source: