Top Ten Most Influential Montreal Canadiens

I wanted to do something special for the Canadiens in honor of their 100th year, so I decided to compile a list of the ten most influential players in Montreal Canadien history. When you think of the Canadiens, these should be the people that come to mind first.

Stats are a good way to claim a player's importance, but I'm not using them to make a list of the most "skilled" players—instead just using them for the purpose of comparison. There are a couple of people on the list that don't have great stats, but are attributed with having a great impact on the Canadiens.

Just remember when reading this is a list of players who, in my opinion, did the most to make the Canadiens the storied franchise we know today.

This may be the most difficult list to compile, though, because I want to leave it to just ten players. I could go on and on about how great these guys are, but I want to keep my explanations short and just list a few statistics and accomplishments while playing with the Canadiens. The statistics won't be to the exact amount of points, games, or wins, but I'm using easier numbers for easier comparisons.

With short explanations, there is room to add other accomplishments, trophies, and stats; so let your mind wander and fill in where you think is needed. This our team and we have a lot of pride in it, and we might as well show it in this article. No other franchise, in any sport can compare with what we have done

With 100 years accumulated, there are thousands of players that have worn "Le Bleu, Blanc, et Rouge." Feel free to claim who you think should be the top ten most influential Montreal Canadiens, but these are mine:

Maurice "Rocket" Richard

Maurice Richard played in over 1100 games for the Canadiens in his 18 seasons in the National Hockey League. During his career he amassed over 1000 points, and a quarter of the Habs 24 Stanley Cups were won while the Rocket was playing.

Guy Lafleur

Guy Lafleur has the most points in the Montreal Canadien's history in his 14-year campaign with the team. He was the leader of a Canadiens squad that earned five Stanley Cups for the franchise.


Henri Richard

Henri Richard played an outstanding 20 seasons for the Canadiens, and has 1,400 games with the team.  Although overshadowed by his brother Maurice in many regards, Henri Richard won eleven Stanley Cups while playing—more than any player in history

Georges Vezina

Georges Vezina is a player who may not have the outstanding stats, but he helped the Canadiens win their first two Stanley Cups while he was playing goalie. He played for fifteen years with the team, the first part being when the Canadiens were still in the National Hockey Association. One of the first key players in franchise history, his career was cut short due to illness.

Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion

Bernie Geoffrion, the innovator of the slap shot, played 14 seasons with Montreal. During the time with the Canadiens, he racked up nearly 900 points and helped the team win six Stanley Cups.

John Beliveau

Jean Beliveau was one of the most beloved Montreal Canadiens of all time, and played almost 1,300 games with the team. He had more than 1,300 points and won ten Stanley Cups during his long career with Montreal.

Jacques Plante

Jacques Plante was one of the greatest goalies in NHL history.  He played ten years for the Canadiens. During those years he won nearly 400 games, and was pivotal in six Stanley Cup wins by the Canadiens.

Larry Robinson

Larry Robinson played 17 seasons with the Canadiens, and was one of the finest defensemen in team history. Although a blue-liner, he has over 1,000 points for the team. Robinson won six Stanley Cups while playing for the Canadiens.

Howie Morenz

Howie Morenz was one of the greatest Canadiens players, but one that most probably have not heard of.  He played in the pre-World War II National Hockey League and was one of the greatest stars of that time period.

When things seemed bad for the Canadiens, he was the glue that kept the team together. Injuries plagued Morenz, though, and not only his career, but his life was cut short due to complications from a leg injury.

Serge Savard

Serge Savard was the one of the greatest pure defenders in Canadiens history, and had a big impact on the team during his 17 seasons. While with the team he suffered injuries, but endured and remained a team leader on eight Stanley Cup teams.