Former NHL Player and Coach Passes Away

Earlier today, the sporting community received some disheartening news. Billy MacMillan, a notable Maple Leafs alumni, passed away at the age of 80 on Saturday night. His tenure with the Maple Leafs spanned from 1970 to 1972, during which he played in 137 games.

Beyond his time as a player, MacMillan made significant contributions to the world of hockey. He transitioned into the role of an assistant coach for the Islanders, achieving Stanley Cup glory in 1980. His expertise was recognized when he was appointed the first General Manager (GM) of the Colorado Rockies, and later, he was given the honor of becoming the first General Manager for the Devils.

MacMillan's tremendous impact on the sport led to his induction into the Prince Edward Island Sports Hall Of Fame in 1985. Among the numerous tributes pouring in, Doug Maclean, a former coach and GM in the NHL, shared his admiration for MacMillan.

The heartfelt tribute from Maclean can be seen below:

Several teams MacMillan was associated with during his career also took to Twitter to express their grief. The Maple Leafs released a statement about his passing. Both the Devils and the Islanders also honored MacMillan. Their statements can be found below:

At this difficult time, we extend our sympathies to MacMillan's family and friends. His loss is deeply felt by the entire hockey community.

As Read on HockeyPatrol - Former Maple Leaf Passes Away