Chicago Blackhawks news, updates: Bobby Hull dies at 84

Former Chicago Blackhawks forward Bobby Hull died on Monday at the age of 84.

Hull is at or near the top in nearly every offensive category in Blackhawks history after a 15-year stint with the team that included 1,036 regular season games, sixth all-time with the Blackhawks. He is also first in goals (604), fifth in assists (549), third in points (1,153), second in power plays (152), first in game-winning goals (98), first in shots (4,539 ) and first in hat tricks (28).

But tensions with the Blackhawks’ ownership relegated Hull to the World Hockey Association for most of the 1970s before returning to play in the NHL Winnipeg Jets and the Hartford Whalers for the 1979-80 season, which would become his final stint.

After his ice career, however, Hulls’ legacy was tarnished by his own actions, also with pro-Nazi comments reported Moscow Times in 1998 and multiple allegations of domestic violence from several partners.

Crazy was appointed as an ambassador for the Blackhawks team in 2008 at a ceremony with longtime teammate Stan Mikita. The two were immortalized in a statue just outside the United Center it was revealed in 2011. Mikita died in 2018 and the Blackhawks reportedly ended Hulls’ role as team ambassador at the beginning of 2022.

[UPDATE] The Blackhawks just released this statement:

The Chicago Blackhawks are saddened by the passing of Blackhawks legend Bobby Hull, the superstar of our 1957-1972 franchise. Hull is part of an elite group of players who made a historic impact on our hockey club. The Golden Jet helped the Blackhawks win the 1961 Stanley Cup and provided countless memories for our fans that he adored. Generations of Chicagoans were dazzled by Bobby’s shooting skills, skating skills and overall team leadership that resulted in 604 career goals, a franchise record that stands to this day. We send our deepest condolences to the Hull family.

[UPDATE II] And here’s a statement from team owner Rocky Wirtz:

Bobby Hull will always be remembered as one of the greatest Blackhawks players of all time. He was a beloved member of the Blackhawks family. When I took over the leadership of the organization after my father passed away in 2007, one of my first priorities was to meet with Bobby to convince him to return as a team ambassador. His connection to our fans was special and priceless. On behalf of the entire Wirtz family, I offer our deepest condolences on the loss of Bobby Hull, Golden Jet. He will be missed.