Mike Bossy 1957-2022; Islanders Legend Passes Away

With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of New York Islanders legend, four-time Stanley Cup champion and Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Bossy. He was 65-years old.

“The New York Islanders organization mourns the loss of Mike Bossy, an icon not only on Long Island but across the entire hockey world,” Islanders President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello said. “His drive to be the best every time he stepped on the ice was second to none. Along with his teammates, he helped win four straight Stanley Cup championships, shaping the history of this franchise forever. On behalf of the entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to the entire Bossy family and all those who grieve this tragic loss.”

In October, Mike “The Boss” Bossy told the hockey community that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Two weeks ago, news surfaced that Bossy’s health had worsened, and fans took to social media to voice their support and send their prayers.

Mike Bossy’s career was not a long one, as he spent just 10 years in the NHL before a chronic back injury forced him to hang his skates up following the 1986-87 season.

Mike Bossy was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991, and his no. 22 was sent to the Nassau Coliseum rafters in 1992.

“Though his career spanned just a decade, it burned as brilliantly as a comet against a Long Island sky.”

Drafted 15th overall in 1977, Mike Bossy became one of the greatest goal scorers the National Hockey League has ever seen.

In 752 regular-season games, Mike “The Boss” Bossy scored 573 goals with 553 assists for 1,126 points. His 573 goals are the most in New York Islanders history. His 553 assists rank third, and his 1,126 points rank second.

Bossy’s career .792 goals per game is not just the highest mark in franchise history but the highest mark in the history of the NHL.

Over his 10-years with the New York Islanders, Bossy was a winner.

He was an eight-time All-Star, a three-time Lady Byng winner, and was awarded the Calder Trophy after scoring 53 goals his rookie season (1977-78).

Bossy played a vital role in the franchise’s ability to win four straight Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983, as he scored 85 goals and recorded 75 assists in 129 career playoff games.

In 1982, Mike Bossy accomplished a feat that only a select few players have as he scored 50 goals in 50 games.

He was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the 1982 Playoff MVP, in which he had 17 goals and 10 assists in 19 games, leading the way to the Islanders third straight Stanley Cup.

Mike Bossy was a legend on and off the ice.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mike Bossy’s family, his friends, and everyone whose life he touched.