Blackhawks legend Tony Esposito dies of pancreatic cancer

Chicago Blackhawks franchise icon Tony Esposito died Tuesday at the age of 78 following a short battle with pancreatic cancer, the team announced.

The Hall of Fame goaltender played all but one of his 16 NHL seasons in the Windy City, and he remains the all-time franchise leader in shutouts (74) and career wins (418). Three Vezina Trophies (1970, 1972, 1974) punctuated Esposito's decorated career. The Blackhawks retired his No. 35 in 1988.

"Tony was one of the most important and popular figures in the history of the franchise as we near its 100th anniversary," team chairman Rocky Wirtz said in a statement. "He was tireless, reliable, and a great teammate."

Though he never won a Stanley Cup with Chicago, Esposito captured glory in 1969 with the Montreal Canadiens while appearing in just 13 games as a Hab and serving as the backup for Rogie Vachon in the playoffs. The Blackhawks claimed him on waivers from Montreal for the 1969–70 season, and his Blackhawk stardom officially began.

Esposito earned the Calder Trophy with Chicago in 1970 for his stellar rookie campaign in which he registered a staggering 15 shutouts. He authored a .906 career save percentage and his 423-306-151 career record ranks 10th in NHL history.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also mourned the death of the "fierce competitor."

"It was Esposito’s style, charisma, and heart that endeared him most to hockey fans not only in Chicago but across the NHL," Bettman wrote in a statement. "The hockey world will miss him greatly. The NHL family extends its deepest sympathies to his wife, Marilyn, sons Mark (Kim) and Jason, and grandchildren Lauren and Kamryn."

As the condolences and support roll in, members of the Esposito clan said they feel "blessed."

"To us, he was a Hall of Fame husband, father, and grandfather," the family said in a statement. "Tony was a private person, but he felt your love, and he loved you back."

Esposito, who pioneered the popular butterfly style, retired from the league in 1984 and was enshrined into the Hall of Fame just four years later. The brother of star NHL forward Phil Esposito, "Tony O" had been working as the Blackhawks' team ambassador since March 2008.