Don Marshall, the last surviving member of the Montreal Canadiens' legendary 1950s dynasty, has passed away at the age of 92

Don Marshall, the last surviving member of the Montreal Canadiens' legendary 1950s dynasty, has passed away at the age of 92. The Canadiens announced his death on October 10, 2024. Marshall was an integral part of the team that won five consecutive Stanley Cups from 1956 to 1960, a record that still stands in the NHL today​.

Born in Verdun, Quebec, on March 23, 1932, Marshall began his NHL career in the 1951-52 season and joined the Canadiens full-time in 1954. Over his nine seasons with the team, he scored 114 goals and contributed 140 assists across 584 regular-season games​.

He later played for the New York Rangers, where he was named an All-Star in the 1966-67 season, and also spent time with the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs before retiring after the 1971-72 season​. Marshall's contributions to hockey and the Canadiens' storied history have left a lasting legacy in the sport.

Don Marshall's career was marked by several memorable moments, particularly during his time with the Montreal Canadiens. Here are a few highlights:

1. Stanley Cup Championships: Marshall was part of the Canadiens' dynasty that won five consecutive Stanley Cups from 1956 to 1960. This remarkable achievement is a significant part of NHL history and helped solidify the Canadiens' legacy as one of the greatest teams in sports​.

   
   

2. Key Playoff Contributions: During the championship runs, Marshall contributed not just in the regular season but also in the playoffs. He played a crucial role during the 1956 playoffs, where the Canadiens went 8-0, and in 1960, when they defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in the finals​.

   
   

3. All-Star Recognition: In 1966-67, while playing for the New York Rangers, Marshall earned All-Star honors. This recognition underscored his skills and importance as a player during his era​.

   
   

4. Versatile Player: Marshall was known for his versatility and reliability on the ice. He played mainly as a left winger and was recognized for his strong two-way play, which made him a dependable presence on the Canadiens roster​.

   
   

5. Impact on Team Dynamics: He often played alongside notable players like Phil Goyette and Claude Provost, helping to form effective lines that contributed to the team's offensive strategies during their championship runs​.

   
   

Marshall's contributions to hockey extend beyond just statistics; his involvement in one of the most successful franchises in NHL history has left a lasting impact on the sport.

Don Marshall had a notable career in the NHL, but he did not win individual awards such as the Hart Trophy or the Calder Trophy. However, he did receive recognition for his contributions to the game:

1. NHL All-Star Selection: Marshall was named an All-Star in the 1966-67 season while playing for the New York Rangers. This acknowledgment highlighted his skills and performance during that year​.

   
   

2. Stanley Cup Championships: While not an individual award, winning five consecutive Stanley Cups (1956-1960) with the Montreal Canadiens is arguably his most significant achievement and a testament to his role in one of the most successful teams in NHL history​.

   
   

3. Recognition by Teams: Both the Canadiens and the Rangers honored his contributions to their franchises. He was remembered as one of the dependable and versatile players during his era​.

   
   

Don Marshall's NHL career was marked by several defining moments that highlighted his contributions to the sport and his teams:

1. Joining the Montreal Canadiens Dynasty: Marshall became a significant player for the Canadiens during a historic era. He joined the team full-time in 1954, just in time to be part of their dominance in the late 1950s. His inclusion in the roster helped solidify the Canadiens' legacy as a powerhouse in the NHL, contributing to their five consecutive Stanley Cup victories from 1956 to 1960​.

   
   

2. Playoff Performances: One of the most notable moments came during the 1956 Stanley Cup playoffs when the Canadiens went a perfect 8-0. Marshall's contributions in these games helped the team secure the championship and showcased his ability to perform under pressure​.

   
   

   ). Additionally, his playoff performances in other years, including key contributions to victories in tight series, defined his reputation as a reliable player during crucial moments.

   
   

3. All-Star Selection: His selection to the NHL All-Star Game in 1967 was a career highlight, reflecting his skills and importance in the league at that time. This recognition came during a time when he was transitioning to the New York Rangers, marking a peak in his playing career​.

   
   
   
   

4. Impactful Trades and Transition: After spending nine seasons with the Canadiens, Marshall was traded to the New York Rangers before the 1963-64 season. His successful transition to the Rangers, where he continued to be a significant contributor, was a testament to his versatility and adaptability as a player​.

   
   
   
   

5. Lasting Legacy: Marshall's status as the last surviving member of the Canadiens' 1950s dynasty adds a poignant note to his career. His experiences and memories of that era have made him a living link to one of the most celebrated teams in NHL history​