Pulford’s Playbook: Coaching, Trading, and Building Champions

Bob Pulford was part of the Maple Leafs team that won the Stanley Cups in the 1960s. Bob was known for being a no-nonsense forward who did his job. He would be the one going in the corners and taking no prisoners. He was the character who would put life into a bench by throwing hits or making a good defensive play, saving a goal.

Part of a dynasty

Pully won 4 Stanley Cups in the 1960s with the Toronto Maple Leafs. One of Bob’s greatest career moments was scoring a triple-overtime goal in game three, giving the Toronto Maple Leafs a victory over the Montréal Canadiens. Bob was known as a leader in the dressing room.

Bob Pulford had four 20-goal seasons with the Leafs. His best year was 1965-66, when he scored 28. Bob was known as a highly skilled third-line center. He was not the typical third-line centre; he was used in every situation.

Bob Pulford spent five years as a head coach for the LA Kings. He was a very good coach who won the Jack Adams Trophy (Coach of the Year). He then served with the Chicago Blackhawks organization from 1977 to 2007 as Head Coach, General Manager, and Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations. He was one of the smartest hockey minds; he saved this franchise and turned them into a contender.

Pully’s best trade  

One of Pully’s biggest trades really took some cojones: trading fan favourite Denis Savard, the number one centre, for the number one defenceman, Chris Chelios, and a second-round pick in the 1991 draft. It almost caused riots in the windy city. But Chris was one of the best dmen for years to come. The argument over whether to build a team around a number 1 centre or a number 1 dman is highly contentious, as I discussed in this article:

https://flamestr.blogspot.com/2025/11/centre-vs-defenceman-how-general.html

Bob was eternally known for turning deals into gems; he always found the missing piece to make his team better. Bob was well known for his good eye at the NHL draft table. He knew talent when he saw it.

Bob Pulford was an excellent man on the ice and off the ice. He was loved and will be eternally missed.

Randy