Montreal Canadiens: The Top 5 Captains of All-Time

Jean Beliveau

Jean Beliveau was an icon during his playing days. Beliveau was signed as a free agent by Montreal on October 3, 1953, and remained in a Canadiens sweater for his entire career.

Beliveau is in the top 5 of every all-time offensive record for Montreal. He was not the fastest or flashiest, but he would outwork the opposition and continuously create offensive chances inside the offensive zone. As a captain, he did not say much, but when he spoke, his teammates listened.

Offensively, he was as gifted as anyone in NHL history. In 1,125 games, he scored 507 goals and assisted on 712 for a career point total of 1,219 points and was also a +117.

His resume is quite remarkable, as he was a ten-time all-star, was part of ten Stanley Cup championship teams, and won two Hart Trophies. He led the league in goals (47) and points (88) in the 1955-56 season and also led the league in goals during the 1958-59 season with 45.

Beliveau made his offensive zone time count, as he was relentless along the boards and in the corners. He did not fight much, but he did play an aggressive game to go along with his elite offensive game.

He was a threat in the playoffs as well, producing 79 goals and 97 assists for 176 points in 162 games. Beliveau scored 19 hat tricks and was inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame in 1972. He, unfortunately, passed away on December 2, 2014.