Jean-Guy Talbot(July 11, 1932 – February 22, 2024) was a Canadian professionalice hockeydefencemanandcoachwho played 17 seasons in theNational Hockey League(NHL).
| Jean-Guy Talbot | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Talbot with theMontreal Canadiensin the 1960s | |||
| Born |
July 11, 1932 Cap-de-la-Madeleine,Quebec, Canada | ||
| Died |
February 22, 2024(aged 91) Trois-Rivières,Quebec, Canada | ||
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) | ||
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb) | ||
| Position | Defence | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | |||
| Playing career | 1952–1971 | ||
Talbot made his NHL debut with theMontreal Canadiensduring the 1954–55 season. In thirteen seasons with the Canadiens he was a six-timeNHL All-Starand part of a dynasty that won sevenStanley CupChampionships. He left the Canadiens after the 1966–67 season, and in 1967-68 he played briefly for theMinnesota North Starsand theDetroit Red Wingsbefore being acquired by theSt. Louis Blues,with whom he remained until 1970. He spent his final season as a player with theBuffalo Sabres.
He began his coaching career with theDenver Spursof theWestern Hockey League,winning theLester Patrick Cupin 1972. He then served as head coach for theSt. Louis Bluesfrom 1972 to 1974. In 1975, he served as head coach for theDenver Spurs/Ottawa Civicsof theWorld Hockey Associationuntil the team folded in early 1976. He held his final head coaching position for theNew York Rangersduring the 1977–1978 season.
Early life
editTalbot was born inCap-de-la-Madeleineon July 11, 1932.[1][2]His father, Willie, worked as a steamfitter at a paper mill. Talbot initially played asgoaltenderuntil he conceded 22 goals in a game for his elementary school.[3]While playing junior hockey, Talbot slashedScotty Bowmanin the head with his stick, causing a fractured skull and ending Bowman's playing career. Talbot consequently received a one-year suspension from theQuebec Amateur Hockey Association.Although this was eventually reduced to nine months, he exceeded the age limit to play junior hockey upon his return.[3]He played for theQuebec Acesof theQuebec Senior Hockey Leaguefrom 1952 to 1954, then joined theShawinigan-Falls Cataractsfor one season.[3][4]
Professional career
editTalbot made hisNational Hockey League(NHL) debut for theMontreal Canadienson February 13, 1955,[5]against theNew York RangersatMadison Square Garden.[6]He only played in two other games and spent the rest of that season in the minors, but made the Canadiens' roster the following year.[1]He played the full schedule for three consecutive seasons from 1960 to 1963.[1]
Talbot played in the NHL from 1955 to 1971, for theMinnesota North Stars,Detroit Red Wings,St. Louis Blues,Buffalo SabresandMontreal Canadiens.With the Canadiens, he won sevenStanley Cupchampionships.[1]
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.[3]Talbot wore jersey #17 during his time with Montreal.[1]
Talbot played 1,056 games, scoring 43 goals and adding 242 assists for 285 points. He was also assessed 1,006 penalty minutes. He was voted a First-Team All-Star in 1961–62 and was selected for six all-star games (1956, 1957, 1960, 1962, 1965 and 1967). He finished third in voting for theJames Norris Memorial Trophyin 1961–62.[1]At the time of his death, he won the second-most championships without having been inducted into theHockey Hall of Fame,behind his former teammateClaude Provost's nine.[3]
Coaching career
editTalbot became head coach of theSt. Louis Bluesin 1972, replacingAl Arbour,who had been fired from the position.[7]He resigned the position in February 1974.[8]He signed on as head coach for theNew York Rangersin 1977, taking over fromJohn Ferguson,with whom he had played during his time with the Canadiens.[9]While with the Rangers, Talbot wore a warm-up suit behind the bench during games, rather than a business suit as most coaches wore.[10]
Personal life
editTalbot was married to Pierrette Cormier for 72 years until his death.[3]They had three children and resided inTrois-Rivières, Quebec.Both his sons were awarded hockey scholarships from theUniversity of DenverandState University of New York at Plattsburgh,respectively. However, Talbot dissuaded them from pursuing the sport unless they could reach the NHL.[11]
Talbot died in Trois-Rivières on February 22, 2024, at the age of 91.[2][12][13]
Coaching record
editNational Hockey League
edit| Team | Year | Regular season | Post season | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | L | T | Pts | Finish | Result | ||
| St. Louis Blues | 1972–73 | 65 | 30 | 28 | 7 | 67 | 4th in West | Lost in league quarter-finals (1–4 vs.CHI) |
| St. Louis Blues | 1973–74 | 55 | 22 | 25 | 8 | 52 | 6th in West | fired |
| New York Rangers | 1977–78 | 80 | 30 | 37 | 13 | 73 | 4th in Patrick | Lost in preliminary round (1–2 vs.BUF) |
| NHL Total (1972–1978) | 200 | 82 | 90 | 28 | 192 | (2–6, 0.250) | ||
World Hockey Association
edit| Team | Year | Regular season | Post season | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | L | T | Pts | Finish | Result | ||
| Denver Spurs/Ottawa Civics | 1975–76 | 41 | 14 | 26 | 1 | 29 | 6th in West | team folded |
| WHA Total (1975–1976) | 41 | 14 | 26 | 1 | 29 | (0–0, 0.000) | ||
Western Hockey League
edit| Team | Year | Regular season | Post season | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | L | T | Pts | Finish | Result | ||
| Denver Spurs | 1971–72 | 72 | 44 | 20 | 8 | 96 | 1st in WHL | Won in league semi-finals (4–0 vs.SD) WonLester Patrick Cup(4–1 vs.POR) |
| Denver Spurs | 1972–73 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 4th in WHL | Promoted toSt. Louis Blues |
| WHL Total (1971–1973) | 81 | 47 | 26 | 8 | 102 | (8–1, 0.889 – 1Lester Patrick Cup) | ||
Source:[4]
Central Hockey League
edit| Team | Year | Regular season | Post season | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | L | OTL | Pts | Finish | Result | ||
| Denver Spurs | 1974–75 | 78 | 36 | 29 | 13 | 85 | 2nd in Northern | Lost in division semi-final (0–2 vs.OMA) |
| CHL Total (1974–1975) | 78 | 36 | 29 | 13 | 85 | (0–2, 0.000) | ||
Source:[4]
Awards and accomplishments
edit- Stanley Cup champion (1956–60, 1965–66) (all with Montreal)[1]
- 1961–62NHL All-Star team(1st)[1]
- Played in 1956, 1957, 1960, 1962, 1965 and 1967 NHL All-Star game.[1]
Career statistics
edit| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 1949–50 | Trois-Rivieres Reds | QJHL | 36 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 79 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 12 | ||
| 1950–51 | Trois-Rivieres Reds | QJHL | 44 | 7 | 22 | 29 | 136 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 18 | ||
| 1950–51 | Shawinigan Cataracts | QSHL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1951–52 | Trois-Rivieres Reds | QJHL | 43 | 12 | 36 | 48 | 132 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 | ||
| 1952–53 | Quebec Aces | QHL | 24 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 33 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1953–54 | Quebec Aces | QHL | 67 | 9 | 11 | 20 | 58 | 16 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 12 | ||
| 1953–54 | Quebec Aces | Ed-Cup | — | — | — | — | — | 7 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | ||
| 1954–55 | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1954–55 | Shawinigan Cataracts | QHL | 59 | 6 | 28 | 34 | 82 | 13 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 14 | ||
| 1954–55 | Shawinigan Cataracts | Ed-Cup | — | — | — | — | — | 7 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | ||
| 1955–56* | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 66 | 1 | 13 | 14 | 80 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | ||
| 1956–57* | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 59 | 0 | 13 | 13 | 70 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 10 | ||
| 1957–58* | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 55 | 4 | 15 | 19 | 65 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 12 | ||
| 1958–59* | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 69 | 4 | 17 | 21 | 77 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 10 | ||
| 1959–60* | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 69 | 1 | 14 | 15 | 60 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 8 | ||
| 1960–61 | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 70 | 5 | 26 | 31 | 143 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 10 | ||
| 1961–62 | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 70 | 5 | 42 | 47 | 90 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 10 | ||
| 1962–63 | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 70 | 3 | 22 | 25 | 51 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | ||
| 1963–64 | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 66 | 1 | 13 | 14 | 83 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 10 | ||
| 1964–65* | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 67 | 8 | 14 | 22 | 64 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 22 | ||
| 1965–66* | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 59 | 1 | 14 | 15 | 50 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 8 | ||
| 1966–67 | Montreal Canadiens | NHL | 68 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 51 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 1967–68 | Minnesota North Stars | NHL | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1967–68 | Detroit Red Wings | NHL | 32 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 10 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1967–68 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 23 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 17 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 8 | ||
| 1968–69 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 69 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 24 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | ||
| 1969–70 | St. Louis Blues | NHL | 75 | 2 | 15 | 17 | 40 | 16 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 16 | ||
| 1970–71 | Buffalo Sabres | NHL | 57 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 36 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| NHL totals | 1,056 | 43 | 242 | 285 | 1,006 | 150 | 4 | 26 | 30 | 142 | ||||
| Sources:[1][4] | ||||||||||||||
See also
editReferences
edit- ^abcdefghij"Jean-Guy Talbot Stats".Hockey-Reference.com.Sports Reference LLC.RetrievedFebruary 29,2024.
- ^abLamarche, Michel (February 23, 2024)."Jean-Guy Talbot, who won 5 straight Stanley Cups with Canadiens, dead at 91".CBC News. The Canadian Press.RetrievedFebruary 29,2024.
- ^abcdefHawthorn, Tom (February 27, 2024)."Defenceman Jean-Guy Talbot won seven Stanley Cups with Montreal Canadiens".The Globe and Mail.Toronto.ProQuest2932254111.RetrievedFebruary 29,2024– viaProQuest.
- ^abcdef"Jean-Guy Talbot Hockey Stats and Profile".HockeyDB.The Internet Hockey Database.RetrievedFebruary 29,2024.
- ^"Jean-Guy Talbot 1954–55 Game Log".Hockey-Reference.com.Sports Reference LLC.RetrievedFebruary 29,2024.
- ^"February 13, 1955 Montreal Canadiens vs. New York Rangers Box Score".Hockey-Reference.com.Sports Reference LLC. February 13, 1955.RetrievedFebruary 29,2024.
- ^"Jean-Guy Talbot new Blues coach".The Bryan Times.St. Louis, MO.UPI.November 7, 1972. p. 15.Archivedfrom the original on February 26, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 26,2024.
- ^"Game revives Talbot nightmare".The Spokesman-Review.New York, NY.AP.January 31, 1978. p. 15.Archivedfrom the original on February 26, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 26,2024.
- ^"Talbot named Rangers' coach".St. Petersburg Times.August 23, 1977. p. 3C.Archivedfrom the original on February 26, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 26,2024.
- ^Farber, Michael(August 2, 2006)."Embarrassing moments".Sports Illustrated.Archived fromthe originalon August 27, 2006.RetrievedFebruary 26,2024.
- ^MacDonald, Ian (April 29, 2003)."Dress for success took new meaning with Jean-Guy Talbot".The Gazette.Montreal. p. C2.ProQuest433920503.RetrievedFebruary 29,2024– viaProQuest.
- ^Stubbs, Dave (February 23, 2024)."Talbot dies at 91, won Cup in 5 consecutive seasons with Canadiens".NHL.com.Archivedfrom the original on February 26, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 26,2024.
- ^Montreal Canadiens PR(February 23, 2024)."Jean-Guy Talbot passes away at age 91"(Press release). Montreal, Quebec, Canada:NHL.Archivedfrom the original on February 26, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 26,2024.
- ^ab"Jean-Guy Talbot Coaching Record, Awards and Honors".Hockey-Reference.com.Sports Reference LLC.RetrievedFebruary 29,2024.
External links
edit- Biographical information and career statistics fromNHL.com,orEliteprospects.com,orHockey-Reference.com,orThe Internet Hockey Database