It's a busy time for the Montreal Canadiens organization as they continue preparations for the start of the 2026-27 season, with rookie camp getting underway tomorrow, followed by the NHL Prospect Challenge in Gatineau this weekend and the team's main training camp next week.
One day before the Canadiens open up their rookie camp in Brossard, the organization announced some sad news as four-time Stanley Cup champion André Pronovost has passed away at the age of 90.
"It is with great sadness that the Montreal Canadiens learned of the passing of André Pronovost on September 8. At 90 years old, the former Habs left winger was the sixth-oldest among Canadiens Alumni." the Canadiens said earlier today.
André Pronovost's Career in Professional Hockey, Highlighted by Four Stanley Cups
Pronovost began his pro hockey career in 1956 as he signed a contract with the Montreal Canadiens. Before he joined the professional ranks, Pronovost was part of the Montreal Jr. Canadiens program in 1953-54 and 1954-55 before signing with the Habs' farm team, the QHL's Shawinigan-Falls Cataracts. His time with the Cataracts didn't last long as then-head coach Toe Blake brought him up to the big club.
He would go on to spend parts of five seasons with the Montreal Canadiens where he won four Stanley Cups and registered 109 points (48 goals, 61 assists) in 209 games before being moved to the Boston Bruins during the 1960-61 campaign. Pronovost's stay in Boston lasted parts of three seasons before he was dealt again, this time to the Detroit Red Wings.
Pronovost suited up in 120 games for the Detroit Red Wings, but only three during the 1964-65 season. That year, he began his journey in the minors after spending nine full seasons in the National Hockey League.
In the minor leagues, Pronovost would go on to play for the American Hockey League's Pittsburgh Hornets and Baltimore Clippers; Central Professional Hockey League's Memphis Wings, Memphis South Stars; Western Hockey League's Phoenix Roadrunners; International Hockey League's Muskegon Mohawks, before wrapping up his career in the Eastern Hockey League with the Jersey Devils.
In the middle of his eight years in the minor leagues, Pronovost got another chance in the National Hockey League as he was called up by the expansion Minnesota North Stars for eight games in the regular season, along with another eight in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Pronovost tallied one assist in the 1968 Stanley Cup Playoffs, helping the North Stars reach the semifinals, where they lost in seven games to another expansion franchise, the St. Louis Blues.
Pronovost's legacy will continue on forever and his family still has a connection to the National Hockey League to this day. His grandson is Anthony Mantha, who signed a one-year contract with the New Jersey Devils in July. Mantha is gearing up for his 11th full season in the National Hockey League after appearing in 588 games with the Detroit Red Wings, Washington Capitals, Vegas Golden Knights, Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Our thoughts are with André Pronovost's family and friends at this difficult time.