Robert “Bobby” Rousseau, a celebrated former forward for the Montreal Canadiens and winner of four Stanley Cups, has passed away at the age of 85 in Trois-Rivières, the team announced Saturday morning.
Born in Montreal on July 26, 1940, Rousseau enjoyed a distinguished NHL career, including 10 seasons with the Canadiens between 1961 and 1970.
Before joining the Canadiens, Rousseau made his mark with the Hull-Ottawa Canadiens, winning the Memorial Cup at the junior level in 1958 and recording 60 points in 38 games at the senior level in 1960-61. He also represented Canada at the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, helping the team earn a silver medal.
Rousseau’s first full NHL season in 1961-62 earned him the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie after he scored 45 points, including 21 goals, in 70 games. Known as a sleek skater and skilled playmaker, he tied with Stan Mikita and teammate Jean Béliveau for the league lead in assists in 1965-66 with 48.
Over his NHL career, Rousseau played 942 games with the Canadiens, Minnesota North Stars and New York Rangers, recording 703 points, including 245 goals. With Montreal, he scored 200 goals and added 322 assists for 522 points, ranking 22nd in club history.
Rousseau is one of only eight Canadiens players to score five goals in a single game. On February 1, 1964, he scored five times against the Detroit Red Wings at the Forum in a 9–3 victory, marking the first of his four NHL hat tricks.
In the playoffs, Rousseau appeared in 128 games, including 78 with Montreal, scoring 16 goals and recording 29 assists for 45 points.
Outside hockey, Rousseau was also a talented golfer. He is survived by his wife, Huguette; his children Richard, Pierre and Anne; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
