Top 5: Ranking The Best Canadiens Captains Of All Time

Hector “Toe” Blake

Seasons With Canadiens: 13 (1935-36 to 1947-48)

Seasons As Captain: 8 (1940-41 to 1947-48)

Inducted in Hockey Hall Of Fame: 1966

Toe Blake was such a legendary coach that people often forget that he’s a Hall of Fame player and one of the best captains in Canadiens’ history.

Blake was a five time All-Star, a Hart Trophy winner (1938-39) and won the Lady Byng in 1945-46. He won three Stanley Cups as a player before winning eight more as a coach.

After playing 8 games with the Montreal Maroons during the 1934-35 season, Blake jumped shipped to the Canadiens the following season and has called the Montreal Forum home for the rest of his life.

Nicknamed “The Old Lamplighter” for his scoring consistency, Blake would lead the famed “Punch Line” with Elmer Lach and Maurice Richard to legendary status. He would play the game with a great mixture of grit and skill making him one of the most feared forwards of his generation.

Blake’s success as a coach is due to his years as captain, being a great communicator to his teammates, coaches and to fans as well. He was an inspiring figure all around.