Jacques Laperriere is my choice for the number 4 greatest Montreal Canadiens defenseman of all-time. Growing up, he idolized and appreciated the organization, not realizing that he’d one day don its jersey and leave a lasting legacy behind. He joined the Canadiens during 1962-1963, although he’d be limited to a total of 11 games (including 5 playoff appearances).
He earned himself a full-time gig the following season, and the 6’2… 190 lbs defenseman notched 30 points in in 65 games. Despite his stature, “Lappy… preferred to opt for hockey I.Q. as opposed to brute strength to perform appropriately. In his first year, he’d have 102 penalty minutes, won the Calder Trophy for best rookie and was invited to play in the All-Star Game. The following year he would also be named to the NHL All-Star Team but unfortunately did not participate in the team’s Stanley Cup-winning postseason due to injuries. Nonetheless, despite having only 57 games under his belt that year, he was award with the Norris Trophy for best defenseman in the league.
While his offensive output wasn’t necessarily his strong suit, his intelligence on the ice and stay-at-home style would be essential in breaking up plays. He anticipated sequences very accurately, utilizing his very long reach to put an end to offensive threats often before they occurred. Moreover, he seamlessly started the transition out of his zone thanks to his superior passing abilities, often launching his teammates onto a speedy and effective counter-attack.
Fortunately for Laperriere, a career decimated through injuries allowed him to nevertheless be a four-time All-Star as well as a six-time Stanley Cup champion. He went on a tear most notably during the 1970-1971 playoffs, uncharacteristically scoring 4 goals and notching 9 assists in 20 games en route to yet another glorious year for the Habs.
Sadly, at the age of 32, he would be forced into retirement due to a leg injury. A few years later, he’d join the Habs organization as an assistant coach for 16 years and added his name to two more Stanley Cups in 1986 and 1993.
In 691 regular season games with the Bleu Blanc et Rouge, Lappy posted 282 points. In 88 playoff appearances, he would score 9 times and add 22 assists.
Such an illustrious career led him to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987.