Tony Esposito Former Chicago Blackhawks Goalie Died Today {Report}

Esposito, from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., came to prominence in Chicago after being claimed off waivers from the Montreal Canadiens in 1969. That first season with the Blackhawks, he logged a record of 38-17-9 and recored 15 shutouts and a goals-against average of 2.17. It was his first of his three Vezina trophies. He was one of the NHL’s top goalies of the era. He also was awarded the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s’s top rookie.

In total, Esposito played 15 seasons with the Blackhawks before he retired in 1984. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame shortly thereafter (in 1988). His brother Phil Esposito, who also had a Hall of Fame career with the Boston Bruins, had been elected four years earlier.

During his career, he posted a career record of 423-306-151 with a goals-against-average of 2.92 and a.906 save percentage. He also posted 76 shutouts and was an NHL All-Star six-times. He was honored as one of the “100 Greatest Players in NHL History.”

We are saddened by the passing of Hockey Hall of Famer and extend our condolences to the entire Esposito family. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.