Dennis Hull, the former Chicago Blackhawks forward, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the age of 81.

The team confirmed this news on social media, and the Blackhawks' official X account released a statement on May 30.

"The Chicago Blackhawks are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dennis Hull earlier this morning," read the statement. "Dennis enjoyed a distinguished career built on his scoring ability and consistency, leaving lasting contributions not only to the Blackhawks franchise, but to the game itself."

He played 14 of his 13 NHL seasons with the Blackhawks, from 1964 to 1977. The former left wing appeared in 904 of his 959 career games with the team.

Hull went on to make 303 goals and 351 assists for 654 career points, including his solo season with the Detroit Red Wings. His consistent production also earned him five All-Star selections.

Hull reached three Stanley Cup Finals with Chicago, but the Blackhawks fell to the Montreal Canadiens in seven games in both 1965 and 1971, and again in six games in 1973. In the 1973 playoffs, he recorded 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists), finishing second in scoring behind Montreal’s Yvan Cournoyer.

His performance peaked with a 90-point season in 1972-73, and tied the Blackhawks for the lead that year. Hull's impact on the team was way beyond the numbers and the results.

"He often drew on his sharp wit and sense of humor to keep the locker room loose, while his warmth and humility made everyone he met feel welcome," the Blackhawks remembered him through their statement.

Dennis retired in 1978 and returned to St. Catharines, Ontario, to earn his degree at Brock University.

Decades after his retirement, fans around the hockey world paid tribute to him.

Fans Pay Tribute to the Former Blackhawks Player

The response from the NHL fans was quick after the announcement of Hull's death.

One fan wrote how he has been a Hull fan while growing up, "RIP a key member of my beloved MPH line I so adored in the early days of hockey." His strongest years came as part of the “MPH” line, a play on miles per hour, alongside centre Pit Martin and right wing Jim Pappin.

Another one wrote a simple message, "Rest in Peace Silver Jet." Known as "The Silver Jet," he followed in the footsteps of his older brother Bobby Hull, the legendary "Golden Jet" and Hockey Hall of Famer.

A fan prayed for Hull’s family to show support. "God bless the Hull family in this time of mourning. Our prayers are with you”. 

With Hull's demise, a fan got emotional reminiscing about the particular period in sports that witnessed players like Pit Martin, who, too, passed away in 2008. "The era I loved, and not many left RIP Dennis," read the comment.

For those who watched the Blackhawks play during the 1960s and 1970s, his passing marks an end to another chapter of an era of players who helped hold the sport.

What is your favorite memory of Dennis Hull’s career? Share it below.

Read more at NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar