Cliff Fletcher, the Hockey Hall of Famer and legendary executive, passed away at the age of 90, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Friday, June 5.

He served in the NHL for seven decades in various roles, including scout, manager, and advisor, to help grow the game of hockey.

In an X post, the Maple Leafs released an official statement to confirm Fletcher’s passing with an elongated tribute, and the fans joined in the comments section.

“Today, the Toronto Maple Leafs mourn the loss of Cliff Fletcher,” the organization stated.

“The Toronto Maple Leafs and its fans will remain forever grateful for the many contributions Cliff made to the organization and the game of hockey. He will always be remembered as part of our hockey family. The club extends our deepest condolences to the Fletcher family, including his children Chuck and Kristy, their families, and his partner Linda.”

Toronto also gave a brief overview in their official statement about the career of Fletcher, calling him “one of the National Hockey League’s greatest builders.”

Notably, Fletcher was a part of six different NHL organizations during his illustrious career. His biggest achievement came in 1989 when the Calgary Flames won the Stanley Cup with him as their general manager.

He worked with the Maple Leafs in two separate tenures, starting with the first one in 1991 as the general manager, chief operating officer, and president. Their fortunes turned almost immediately upon his arrival after finishing in last place in the division in the season prior.

The Maple Leafs came within a game of securing the Stanley Cup in 1993 after just two years of his joining the organization.

Fletcher signed the likes of Glenn Anderson, Pat Burns, Mike Gartner, and Mats Sundin in Toronto, who not only had incredible NHL careers but also became Hockey Hall of Famers.

His second tenure as senior advisor at the Maple Leafs began in 2008 until his very last day.

Maple Leafs fans react to the passing of Cliff Fletcher

The tribute post for Cliff Fletcher from the Toronto Maple Leafs on their official X account brought out the absolute best side of their fans in the comments section.

“So sad to hear. Cliff made some great trades for the Leafs and we had good teams! thanks for all the Leaf memories Cliff. My condolences,” a Maple Leafs fan wrote, appreciating Fletcher for his contribution to the organization.

The condolences messages on Fletcher’s passing from Maple Leafs fans were plenty, as expected.

“RIP Cliff. You will be loved and remembered by Leafs fans forever!” said a fan.

“RIP Cliff. You gave us the greatest trade in franchise history and we will never forget it,” said another fan, while the third one remarked, “Pulled off one of the great trades in Leafs history. Heck, NHL history. Rest easy, Cliff.”

A supporter alluded to the somber time for hockey faithful in the aftermath of the sudden passing of three of the sport’s legends.

“First Lemieux, then Hull, and now Fletcher. Terrible two weeks in hockey,” they remarked.

Share with us your tribute message for Cliff Fletcher in the comments section.

Read more at NHL Fan Central!

Written by

Arjun Sharma

Edited by

Koushik Biswas