Dick Duff

Lore & Background

Duff was traded to Montreal on December 22, 1964, and played for the Canadiens until 1970, serving as part of four championship teams. He expressed regret about being traded to the Los Angeles Kings in January 1970, stating he should have retired with Montreal.

In Their Own Story

Duff skated forward, stick low, eyes locked on a Detroit winger who had been roughing up Montreal players all night. The crowd roared as he intercepted a pass, not to score, but to deliver a check that echoed off the boards. He stood tall, breathing hard, raising his glove in silent acknowledgment of the fans before skating back for another shift.

Reader's Guide

Duff was known as a 'money' player who saved his best for the playoffs. He was tied for 15th in Stanley Cup playoff goals with 30 and 15th in total points with 79 when he retired. Coach Punch Imlach described him as 'probably the best playoff player I ever coached.'

Did You Know?

• Duff was the sixth of 13 siblings born to a mining family in Kirkland Lake, Ontario.
• He recorded his first NHL goal on October 26 against the Montreal Canadiens, scoring both goals in a 2–1 victory.
• Duff won the Stanley Cup six times—twice with Toronto and four times with Montreal.
• He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006.