Bobby Baun, a legendary defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs, passed away at the age of 86, the team announced on Tuesday. Baun was known for his toughness and played a crucial role in the franchise’s four Stanley Cup championship victories.
Baun began his career with the Maple Leafs in the 1956-57 season and spent 11 seasons with the team. He helped Toronto win three consecutive Stanley Cups from 1962 to 1964.
During the 1964 Stanley Cup Final against the Detroit Red Wings, Baun scored the game-winning goal in overtime despite playing with a broken leg. Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan expressed the team’s condolences and highlighted Baun’s enduring legacy of strength and resilience.
“The Toronto Maple Leafs are deeply saddened by the passing of Bobby Baun, whose enduring legacy of remarkable resilience includes his iconic overtime game-winning goal during a Stanley Cup Final despite playing with a broken leg.
“Bob possessed unquestionable toughness and incredible pride in being a Toronto Maple Leaf. His inspirational presence continues to embody the heart of the game. He will be greatly missed by our team and its fans. Our thoughts are with Bob’s loved ones during this difficult time.”
After being selected by the Oakland Seals in the 1967 NHL Expansion Draft, Baun played one season with them before being traded to the Red Wings in 1968. He returned to Toronto for the last 137 games of his career.
Baun’s career came to an end during the fifth game of the 1972-73 season when he suffered a neck injury. Throughout his career, Baun played 964 NHL games and accumulated 37 goals, 187 assists, 224 points, and 1,489 penalty minutes.
