Jacques Lemaire
The defensive genius who scored like a sniper and coached like a master.
Jacques Lemaire stands as a colossus in Montreal Canadiens history, revered not only for his prolific scoring but for his transformative role as a player-coach who bridged the gap between eras. A two-time Stanley Cup champion and later a Hall of Fame coach, Lemaire defined the late 1960s and early 1970s with an unparalleled blend of offensive flair and defensive responsibility. His career at the Forum is synonymous with the transition from the Original Six era to the dynasty years that followed.
- Role
- Center / Head Coach
- Affiliation
- Montreal Canadiens (1965–1979)
- Stanley Cups as Player
- 2 (1973, 1976)
- Career NHL Goals
- 408
- Notable Achievement
- First player to score a goal and assist in the same playoff game (multiple times)
- Hall of Fame Induction
- 1984
Lore & Background
His legacy extends far beyond his playing days; Lemaire served as an interim player-coach, a rare feat that showcased his deep tactical understanding of the game. After retiring, he returned to the bench as a head coach, leading the New Jersey Devils to their first Stanley Cup in 1995 by implementing the famous 'Neutral Zone Trap' system that bore his name. Throughout his career, Lemaire remained a figure of quiet intensity, letting his play and preparation speak louder than any press conference.
In Their Own Story
Inside the Montreal Forum, the air hung heavy with popcorn and electric tension as Game 7's final seconds ticked away. Jacques Lemaire stood at center ice, stick grounded on the frozen canvas, his gaze locked not on glory, but on a specific gap in the opposing defense. He didn't bark orders; his teammates simply reacted to his silent command. With a sudden, explosive burst of speed, he intercepted a pass—not to sprint for a highlight-reel goal, but to execute a surgical zone clear that deflated the opposition's momentum. The crowd erupted as the puck vanished into the corner, and Lemaire immediately pivoted back to defend, a living embodiment of the rare balance between lethal aggression and disciplined restraint that defined his legend.
Reader's Guide
Jacques Lemaire's era at the Montreal Canadiens spanned from his debut in the mid-1960s through his retirement in 1979. During this period, he evolved from a promising young center into one of the most complete players the game has ever seen. His playing style was characterized by exceptional hockey intelligence; he possessed a rare ability to read plays before they developed, allowing him to excel defensively without sacrificing offensive production.
Lemaire's greatest achievements include winning two Stanley Cups with Montreal (1973 and 1976) and becoming the first recipient of the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 1978. He was a key component of the 'Big Three' centerlines that powered the Canadiens, often pairing with Guy Lafleur to create an unstoppable offensive threat while maintaining defensive integrity.
His legacy is twofold: as a player who redefined the expectations for two-way centers, and as a coach who brought championship success to New Jersey. Lemaire's influence on modern hockey tactics, particularly in neutral zone play, remains profound. He is remembered not just for his statistics, but for his unwavering commitment to winning at both ends of the ice.
Did You Know?
- Lemaire was the first player ever to win the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL's best defensive forward in 1978.
- He served as a player-coach for the Canadiens during the 1978-79 season, leading the team in scoring while managing the roster.
- Lemaire is one of only a few players to score over 400 goals and have his number (16) retired by the Montreal Canadiens.
- He was named head coach of the New Jersey Devils in 1993, leading them to their first Stanley Cup title in 1995.