He is survived by his wife, Lynda, and their two children. “Ken Dryden was not just an extraordinary athlete, but also an extraordinary individual,” stated Canadiens owner Geoff Molson. “Beyond the mask, he was a larger-than-life figure. Today, we mourn the loss of a cornerstone of one of hockey’s greatest dynasties, as well as a family man, a thoughtful citizen, and a gentleman who profoundly impacted our lives and communities for generations.”

Dryden played a crucial role in leading the Canadiens to victory, helping the most successful franchise in the NHL secure championships in six out of his eight seasons from 1970-71 to 1978-79. Over his career, he earned numerous awards, including the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year, the Vezina Trophy five times as the best goalie, and the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP in 1971, while being named a six-time All-Star. “Ken embodied the essence of what the Montreal Canadiens stand for,” expressed Molson.

Famous for the relaxed posture of resting his blocker and glove hands atop his stick, creating one of hockey’s most iconic stances, the 6-foot-4 Dryden retired at the young age of 31 in 1979. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman remarked, “From his entry into the league at 23, Ken had an immediate and lasting impact on the NHL, the Canadiens franchise, and the goaltending role. His love for his country was evident both on and off the rink.”

In 1983, Dryden was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. His NHL career was marked by a record of 258-57-74, with a .922 save percentage, 2.24 goals-against average, and 46 shutouts over just over seven seasons, along with an 80-32 playoff record. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Hon. Ken Dryden, a Canadian hockey legend, hall of famer, public servant, and inspiration.”

“Few Canadians have contributed more or stood taller for our nation,” Carney commented. “Ken Dryden embodied both ‘Big Canada’ and ‘Best Canada.’ Rest in peace.” Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Dryden played three collegiate seasons at Cornell University from 1966-69, leading his team to the 1967 NCAA title with an impressive career record of 76-4-1.

Dryden entered the NHL in 1971 and spent just six games in the crease before making his NHL postseason debut. He and Montreal upset rival Boston in the first round and beat Chicago in the final. He then was a cornerstone of Canada’s 1972 Summit Series team that defeated the Soviet Union, starting in goal in the decisive 6-5 victory in Game 8.

‘I feel the history of that tournament, the legacy of that team just as strongly as all Canadian fans do,’ Dryden told The Canadian Press in a 2022 interview. ‘It never goes away. It’s kind of like a good wine, I guess. Actually, the legacy of it grows.’ He also worked at a Toronto law firm while sitting out the 1973-74 NHL season – after previously earning a law degree at Montreal´s McGill University.

After retiring as a player, he went into broadcasting and wrote ‘The Game,’ one of the best known books about the sport, after publishing ‘Face-off at the Summit’ as part of an accomplished career as an author. He was the color analyst alongside Al Michaels for the ‘Miracle on Ice’ when the U.S. beat the Soviet Union and went on to win the gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Dryden served as president of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1997 through 2004 – a stretch accented by trips to the Eastern Conference final in both 1999 and 2002 – before resigning to enter politics. He ran for the federal Liberals in 2004 and was named minister of social development in Prime Minister Paul Martin´s cabinet.

Dryden, who also taught at various universities across Canada, held onto his seat in Toronto’s York Centre riding in 2006 when the Liberals were ousted, and again in 2008, but lost in 2011. Brother Dave Dryden was also a longtime NHL and WHA goalie. He died in 2022 at the age of 81.