Bob Pulford, a Hockey Hall of Fame player and longtime executive with the Chicago Blackhawks, has died at the age of 89. The NHL Alumni Association announced his passing on Monday, January 5, 2026, recognizing his enduring mark on the game.

Born on March 31, 1936, Robert Jesse Pulford was a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Los Angeles Kings. After his playing career, he transitioned to coaching, notably with the Kings, before dedicating three decades to the Chicago Blackhawks as a coach, general manager, and eventually as a senior advisor.

Pulford's early life saw him grow up in Weston, Ontario, where he played junior hockey before moving on to the Marlboros. His NHL career began with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he won four Stanley Cups. He later played for the Los Angeles Kings, and after a stint as their head coach, he joined the Chicago Blackhawks, holding various positions within the organization for 30 years.

During his time with the Blackhawks, Pulford transitioned to the front office, serving as general manager. In this role, he oversaw team operations and contributed to the Blackhawks' strategies. He stepped away from day-to-day management on October 11, 2007, becoming an officer with the Wirtz Corporation, the parent company of the Blackhawks.

Pulford's contributions to hockey were recognized with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. In 2012, the Los Angeles Kings honored Pulford during a pregame ceremony, where the team wore their purple and gold 1970s throwback uniforms.

Dean Lombardi, a former general manager for the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings, and currently a senior advisor in the Philadelphia Flyers organization, is Pulford's son-in-law.