Phil Goyette, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the NHL’s most consistent playmakers during the Original Six era, has passed away at the age of 92. The Canadiens, one of the teams he helped lead to glory, confirmed the news.
Goyette’s NHL journey began in 1957 with Montreal, where he wasted no time making an impact. Though he only played 14 regular-season games as a rookie, he became a key contributor in the postseason, helping the Canadiens capture the Stanley Cup. That marked the beginning of a dynasty run - Goyette was part of four straight Cup-winning teams from 1957-58 through 1959-60, a stretch of dominance that remains one of the most iconic in NHL history.
After nearly a decade in Montreal, Goyette took his talents to New York, joining the Rangers for the 1963-64 season. It was there that his offensive game truly blossomed.
Over seven seasons with the Blueshirts, Goyette posted three campaigns of 60-plus points - a significant jump in production that showcased his evolution from a reliable contributor to a top-line threat. His ability to read the ice, find open teammates, and chip in timely goals made him a steady presence in the Rangers’ lineup.
But it was his move to St. Louis in 1969 that saw Goyette reach another gear.
In his first and only season with the Blues, he put up 78 points in 72 games - good for fourth in league scoring. That breakout year also earned him the Lady Byng Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s most gentlemanly player, a fitting recognition for a veteran who played the game with skill and class.
Goyette averaged more than a point per game in each of his two seasons during that stretch, proving that even in the latter stages of his career, he could still hang with the league’s elite.
The 1970 Expansion Draft saw Goyette selected by the Buffalo Sabres, where he played parts of two seasons before returning to the Rangers to close out his playing career. All told, he appeared in 940 regular-season games, tallying 674 points. He added another 46 points in 94 playoff contests - many of them during those championship runs in Montreal.
After hanging up his skates, Goyette transitioned behind the bench, becoming the first head coach in New York Islanders history in 1972. While his coaching tenure was brief, it marked a fitting final chapter in a life spent around the game.
Phil Goyette’s legacy is one of quiet excellence. He wasn’t the flashiest name on the marquee, but he was the kind of player every team wants - dependable, disciplined, and driven.
From lifting the Cup in Montreal to lighting it up in St. Louis, his career spanned some of the most formative years in NHL history.
And through it all, he left a mark that still resonates with fans who appreciate the craft of the game.