The hockey world is reeling from the loss of one of its true giants. Ken Dryden, the legendary Montreal Canadiens goaltender, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 5, 2025, after a private battle with cancer. He was 78. The news, announced by the Canadiens early Saturday, sent shockwaves through the NHL community and beyond, as friends, teammates, and fans alike remembered a man who was as impactful off the ice as he was on it.
Dryden’s legacy is etched deep in the annals of both college and professional hockey. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Dryden first made his mark at Cornell University, where he played three seasons from 1966 to 1969. His record with the Big Red was nothing short of extraordinary: 76 wins, just 4 losses, and 1 tie, with a stingy 1.59 goals-against average and a .939 save percentage. In 1967, he led Cornell to a coveted NCAA National Championship—a feat that still resonates with the Cornell community today. According to WSYR, "Dryden helped the Big Red to a National Championship in 1967," cementing his place as a college hockey legend.
But it was in Montreal where Dryden truly became a household name. Drafted by the Boston Bruins in 1964 before his rights were traded to the Canadiens, Dryden delayed his NHL debut to complete his studies at Cornell. When he finally donned the Canadiens sweater in 1971 at the age of 23, he wasted no time making his presence felt. In his first NHL start, he stopped 35 of 36 shots against the Pittsburgh Penguins—a harbinger of the dominance to come. As NHL commissioner Gary Bettman noted, “From the moment Ken Dryden joined the Montreal Canadiens as a 23-year-old rookie in 1971, he made an immediate and lasting impact on the NHL, the Canadiens franchise and the goaltending position.”
Dryden played just six regular-season games before being thrust into the high-stakes world of playoff hockey. Remarkably, he backstopped Montreal to the Stanley Cup that year, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. The following season, he claimed the Calder Trophy as the league’s best rookie, making him the only goalie in NHL history at that time to win a Stanley Cup before completing his rookie season. As The Hockey News put it, "Ken proceeded to lead his team to a Stanley Cup while winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs' most valuable player. It is almost incomprehensible to believe that he accomplished all of that the year prior to winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the League's best rookie in 1971-72.”
Throughout the 1970s, Dryden was the backbone of a Canadiens dynasty that captured six Stanley Cup championships between 1971 and 1979—including a remarkable four consecutive titles from 1976 to 1979. He was a six-time NHL All-Star, won the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender five times, and was the Conn Smythe winner once. His calm, imposing presence in net, combined with his 6-foot-4 frame, revolutionized the goaltending position and set a new standard for excellence.
Dryden’s heroics were perhaps never more evident than in the 1979 Stanley Cup Final against the New York Rangers. After dropping the opener 4-1, Canadiens coach Scotty Bowman considered benching Dryden. But fate intervened—backup Bunny Laroque was injured in warmups, forcing Bowman’s hand. The Rangers jumped out to a quick lead in Game Two, but Dryden responded with resilience, helping Montreal storm back with six unanswered goals for a 6-2 victory. The Canadiens never looked back, winning the next three games and securing a fourth straight Cup. As recounted by The Maven, “It was then that Rangerville learned – as if it wasn't already apparent – why Ken Dryden was a Hall of Famer. Instead of folding under the pressure, Ken quickly got his act together and so did his Montreal buddies.”
Dryden’s impact extended far beyond his on-ice exploits. He was a key member of Team Canada during the legendary 1972 Summit Series victory over the Soviet Union, a moment that remains a defining chapter in Canadian hockey history. Off the ice, Dryden was a scholar and an advocate. He earned a law degree from McGill University, worked in broadcasting, and authored several critically acclaimed books, including the iconic “The Game.” His thoughtful, analytical approach to hockey and life made him a respected voice in sports and public service alike.
Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson captured the sentiment of many in the hockey community: “Ken Dryden was an exceptional athlete, but he was also an exceptional man. Behind the mask he was larger than life. We mourn today not only the loss of the cornerstone of one of hockey’s greatest dynasties but also a family man, a thoughtful citizen and a gentleman who deeply impacted our lives and communities across generations.”
Dryden’s passing was a shock even to those closest to him, as his battle with cancer was kept largely private. Hall of Fame defenseman Larry Robinson expressed his disbelief, saying, “A friend sent me a note this (Saturday) morning, expressing his sympathies that Ken had died. I didn’t believe it, and then I saw it all over TV. Basically, I’m just in shock.”
Dryden retired after the 1978-79 season, his career relatively brief but dazzlingly brilliant. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983, a fitting honor for a man who stood at the heart of one of hockey’s greatest dynasties. He is survived by his wife Lynda and their two children. His brother, Dave Dryden, also a notable goaltender, passed away in 2022 at age 81.
In recognition of his contributions, the Dryden family has requested that those wishing to honor Ken’s legacy make donations to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre or the Concussion Legacy Foundation—causes close to his heart.
As tributes pour in from across the hockey world and beyond, it’s clear that Ken Dryden’s influence will be felt for generations. Whether as a champion on the ice, a thoughtful author, or a devoted family man, Dryden embodied the very best of the sport. His mask may be off, but his legacy remains—towering, inspiring, and unforgettable.
