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Ken Dryden

Kenneth Wayne Dryden was a Canadian ice hockey goaltender, lawyer, author, politician, and hockey executive.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kenneth Wayne Dryden was a Canadian ice hockey goaltender, lawyer, author, politician, and hockey executive. He played for the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL from 1970 to 1979, winning six Stanley Cups and several major individual awards. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.

Early life and amateur career

Dryden was born in Hamilton, Ontario, and played university hockey at Cornell University. He was drafted by the Boston Bruins in 1964 but chose to continue his education before turning professional.

NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens

Dryden debuted for Montreal in 1971 and became the team's starting goaltender during one of the franchise's most successful eras. He helped the Canadiens win six Stanley Cups and compiled strong regular-season and playoff statistics.

Awards and honours

Dryden's honours include the Calder Memorial Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, five Vezina Trophies, Hall of Fame induction, and inclusion among the NHL's 100 Greatest Players. He also received the Order of Hockey in Canada in 2020.

Post-hockey career

After retiring from playing, Dryden became an author, hockey executive, public servant, and politician. He also served as president of the Toronto Maple Leafs and held federal cabinet office in Canada.

Legacy

Dryden is widely regarded as one of the sport's most accomplished goaltenders. His career is notable both for his on-ice success and for his later work in Canadian public life.

Key facts

  • Dryden won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens during the 1970s.
  • He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP and the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year.
  • He won the Vezina Trophy five times under the award's original team-based format.
  • Dryden was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983, immediately after becoming eligible.
  • After hockey, he worked as an author, lawyer, television analyst, hockey executive, and politician, and served as Canada's Minister of Social Development.
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Canadian context

Dryden is a major figure in Canadian sports and public life: he was born in Ontario, starred for Montreal, served in the Canadian Parliament, and later became a cabinet minister.[6][9][12]

Frequently asked questions

Who was Ken Dryden?
Ken Dryden was a Canadian NHL goaltender best known for his career with the Montreal Canadiens, followed by work as an author, lawyer, politician, and hockey executive.
Which team did Ken Dryden play for in the NHL?
He played for the Montreal Canadiens from 1970 to 1979.
How many Stanley Cups did Ken Dryden win?
He won six Stanley Cups with Montreal.
What major individual awards did he win?
He won the Calder Memorial Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, and five Vezina Trophies.
Was Ken Dryden in the Hockey Hall of Fame?
Yes. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
What did Ken Dryden do after hockey?
He became an author, lawyer, television analyst, hockey executive, and elected politician, and served as Canada's Minister of Social Development.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Dryden
    Supports: Birthdate, NHL career, awards, Hall of Fame induction, number retirement, and Order of Hockey in Canada.
  2. The Canadian Encyclopediahttps://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/dryden-kenneth-ken-wayne
    Supports: Canadian biography, hockey career, and later public service.
  3. NHL.comhttps://www.nhl.com/news/montreal-canadiens-legend-ken-dryden-dies-at-78
    Supports: Career overview, Stanley Cups, awards, and later roles.
  4. Hockey Canadahttps://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/2020-hcf-order-of-hockey-in-canada-ken-dryden
    Supports: Awards summary and Order of Hockey in Canada.
  5. NHL.comhttps://www.nhl.com/player/ken-dryden-8446490
    Supports: Birthplace, physical profile, and draft information.
  6. Cornell Chroniclehttps://news.cornell.edu/stories/2025/09/hockey-legend-ken-dryden-69-dies-78
    Supports: Cornell University career and post-hockey accomplishments.