Mike Bossy, Islanders legend and Hockey Hall of Famer, dies at 65

New York Islanders legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Bossy has died after battling lung cancer.

Bossy, 65, announced in October that he was stepping away form his analyst job with TVA Sports after being diagnosed.
“The New York Islanders organization mourns the loss of Mike Bossy, an icon not only on Long Island but across the entire hockey world,” said Islanders President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello in a statement. “His drive to be the best every time he stepped on the ice was second to none. Along with his teammates, he helped win four straight Stanley Cup championships, shaping the history of this franchise forever. On behalf of the entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to the entire Bossy family and all those who grieve this tragic loss.”The Islanders’ first-round pick in the 1977 NHL Draft, Bossy won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year that season with 53 goals and 91 points. That was the first of nine consecutive seasons where he would score at least 50 times. He reached at least 60 goals five times, including a career high of 69 in his sophomore season.

Bossy’s second NHL season saw him make history as he scored 50 goals in 50 games, matching Maurice Richard, with two goals during a January 1981 win over the Quebec Nordiques.

In 753 career games over 10 NHL seasons, Bossy compiled 573 goals and 1,126 points, all with the Islanders. His 0.76 goals per game average is the highest among all players with at least 200 games played.