Bob Pulford
Four-time Stanley Cup champion and Hall of Fame forward who later coached and managed the Chicago Blackhawks.
Robert Jesse Pulford (March 31, 1936 – April 6, 2024) was a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Kings in the National Hockey League. He later served as head coach of the Kings before spending 30 years with the Chicago Blackhawks as a coach and general manager.
- Role
- General Manager
- Affiliation
- Chicago Blackhawks (and Toronto Maple Leafs)
- GM Tenure
- 1977–1990, 1991–1997, 1999–2000, 2003–2005
- Key Achievement
- Drafted Denis Savard and Chris Chelios; built a competitive roster in the early 1980s.
- Status
- Retired / Hall of Fame
Lore & Background
Pulford was born in Newton Robinson, Ontario, on March 31, 1936. He played junior hockey for the Toronto Marlboros from 1953 to 1956, winning two Memorial Cups. He played 14 seasons with the Maple Leafs, winning four Stanley Cups (1962–1964, 1967). He scored the game-winner in regulation in game three of the 1967 Stanley Cup Final. He was the first secretary-treasurer of the NHL Players' Association in 1967. He was traded to the Los Angeles Kings on September 3, 1970, and played two seasons there before retiring in 1972. He became head coach of the Kings in 1972–73, won the Jack Adams Award in 1975, and left after the 1976–77 season. He then became coach and general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks in 1977. He served as Blackhawks coach on three separate occasions from 1977 to 1987, and as general manager from 1977 to 1990, 1991 to 1997, 1999 to 2000, and 2003 to 2005. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991. He died on April 6, 2024, at age 88.
In Their Own Story
The fluorescent lights of the Chicago office hummed softly as Bob Pulford leaned over a stack of draft cards, the smell of stale coffee mingling with the crisp winter air drifting through an open window. It was the night before the draft, and the weight of the franchise rested on his shoulders. He traced the name 'Denis Savard' on one card, then another for 'Chris Chelios', knowing that these young men would soon wear the red and black. Outside, the city slept, but inside, a new era was being quietly forged by a man who knew hockey better than anyone else in the room.
Reader's Guide
Bob Pulford was a key figure in the NHL as a player, coach, and executive. He won four Stanley Cups with the Toronto Maple Leafs and later coached the Los Angeles Kings to their first playoff appearances in years. With the Chicago Blackhawks, he served multiple stints as coach and general manager over 30 years. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991.
Did You Know?
- Pulford scored the game-winner in regulation in game three of the 1967 Stanley Cup Final against the Montreal Canadiens.
- He was the first secretary-treasurer of the National Hockey League Players' Association, formed in spring 1967.
- He won the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year in 1975 while with the Los Angeles Kings.
- Pulford's son-in-law is Dean Lombardi, former president and general manager of the Los Angeles Kings.
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.
Why is Bob Pulford considered important to Blackhawks fans?
Fans remember him for overseeing the team during their early 1980s resurgence, which laid the groundwork for subsequent championship contention. He remains a legendary figure synonymous with that specific era of Chicago hockey.
More in Club History
Elsewhere in the Chicago Blackhawks universe
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