Jean-Guy Talbot

Jean-Guy Talbot (July 11, 1932 – February 22, 2024) was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and coach.

Career

Playing career

Talbot played in the National Hockey League from 1955 to 1971. During this time, he played for the Minnesota North Stars, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens. While with the Montreal Canadiens, he won seven Stanley Cup championships.

Talbot was well known for being a sound passer. He was also known for having a clean but rather physical style of play which ultimately helped Montreal win Stanley Cups. Talbot wore the #17 during his 13 seasons with Montreal.

Over the course of his career he played 1,056 games, scoring 43 goals and adding 242 assists for 285 points. He also collected 1,006 penalty minutes. He was voted a First-Team All-Star in 1961-62 and was selected for six all-star games (1956–57, 1960, 1962, 1965 and 1967). Talbot was also the player who ended Scotty Bowman's hockey playing career by high sticking/slashing him in the head causing a fractured skull.

Coaching career

Talbot took on the St. Louis Blues head coaching position in 1972, replacing Al Arbour who had been fired from the position. He held the position for two years, resigning in February 1974. Talbot signed on as head coach for the New York Rangers in 1977, taking over from John Ferguson, with whom he had played during his tenure with the Canadiens. As coach of the Rangers, Talbot was known for wearing a warmup suit behind the bench during games, rather than the normal business suit worn by most coaches.

Personal life

Jean-Guy Talbot was born in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec on July 7, 1932.

He lived in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, with his wife of over 70 years. He had two sons, a daughter, and five granddaughters. He died in Trois-Rivières on February 22, 2024, at the age of 91.

Awards and accomplishments

• Stanley Cup champion 1956-57-58-59-60-65-66 (all with Montreal)
• 1961-62 NHL All-Star team (1st)
• Played in 1956, 1957, 1960, 1962, 1965 and 1967 NHL All-Star game.