Bob Pulford
Blackhawks legend and Hall of Famer who shaped the franchise for three decades.
Bob Pulford was a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Kings in the NHL. He later served as head coach of the Kings before spending 30 years with the Chicago Blackhawks as a coach and general manager.
Lore & Background
Pulford was born in Newton Robinson, Ontario, on March 31, 1936. He played junior hockey for the Toronto Marlboros, winning two Memorial Cups. He played 14 seasons with the Maple Leafs, winning four Stanley Cups, and became the first president of the NHL Players' Association in 1967. He scored an overtime game-winner in the 1967 Stanley Cup Final. After retiring as a player in 1972, he became head coach of the Kings, winning the Jack Adams Award in 1975. He joined the Blackhawks in 1977 as coach and general manager. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991. Pulford died on January 5, 2026, at age 89.
Reader's Guide
Pulford served as coach for the Blackhawks on three separate occasions from 1977 to 1987. He was promoted to senior vice president in 1990, but took on general manager duties from 1992 to 1997, from 1999 to 2000, and from 2003 to 2005. During his third stint as GM, he nominally doubled as head coach, demoting Lorne Molleken to an assistant, but Molleken remained the main operator on the bench. In seven seasons and 426 games as Hawks coach, Pulford won 182, lost 176, and tied 68. He is third behind Billy Reay and Joel Quenneville for most regular season games won as Hawk coach.
Did You Know?
- His son-in-law is Dean Lombardi, former president and GM of the Los Angeles Kings.
- Pulford was named head coach of Team USA for the 1976 Canada Cup tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bob Pulford to the Chicago Blackhawks?
He served as the General Manager for the franchise between 1976 and 1983, marking a significant chapter in their organizational history. Before this role, he spent his entire playing career with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
What specific responsibilities did Pulford hold?
Pulford acted as the architect behind the club's transition into a modern powerhouse through shrewd management and player development strategies during his tenure. His leadership was crucial for establishing a competitive roster structure in the early 1980s.
Which famous players were selected under Pulford's direction?
During his time leading the department, he oversaw the selection of key talents like Denis Savard and Chris Chelios who would define the franchise's future success. These picks remain some of the most celebrated in team history.
What happened after his tenure as General Manager ended?
Following his departure from the organization in 1983, Pulford retired from active management within the league and was eventually recognized with Hall of Fame honors. His legacy continues to be studied by hockey historians today.
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