Pierre Renald Plante obit

Pierre Plante Has Died

 

He was not on the list.

Pierre Renald Plante, a flashy, reliable right winger who played nearly 600 NHL games across the 1970s, passed away on September 27th at the age of 75. Born May 14, 1951, in Valleyfield, Quebec , Plante became known for his durability, his scoring touch, and his ability to energize a team with speed and flair.

Plante’s junior career with the Drummondville Rangers showcased his offensive potential. In the 1969–70 QMJHL season, he erupted for 51 goals and 51 assists for 102 points , establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous scorers. His performance made him a top prospect, and in 1971, the Philadelphia Flyers selected him 9th overall in the NHL Draft .

He made his NHL debut that same year, splitting time between the Flyers and their AHL affiliate, the Richmond Robins .

Although Plante began with Philadelphia, his career flourished after a mid‑season trade to the St. Louis Blues in 1972. St. Louis became the team most closely associated with his identity as a player; he spent the majority of his NHL career there .

With the Blues, Plante developed a reputation as a durable, flashy winger who rarely missed a game due to injury . His best seasons came in St. Louis:

1973–74: 26 goals, 28 assists (54 points)

1974–75: Career‑best 34 goals, 32 assists (66 points)

1976–77: 18 goals, 20 assists (38 points)

His combination of speed, creativity, and toughness made him a fan favorite and a dependable top‑six forward.

Chicago, New York, and Quebec

After six seasons in St. Louis, Plante was traded to the Chicago Black Hawks, where he played the 1977–78 season, contributing 10 goals and 18 assists .

He then joined the New York Rangers for the 1978–79 season, where he played a key depth role on a team that reached the 1979 Stanley Cup Final . Plante appeared in 18 playoff games that year, recording six assists and providing steady two‑way play during the Rangers’ run.

Plante finished his NHL career with the Quebec Nordiques in 1979–80, adding 18 points in 69 games .

Career Overview

Across 599 NHL games, Pierre Plante recorded:

125 goals

172 assists

297 points

599 penalty minutes

He also appeared in 33 playoff games, adding eight points .

These numbers reflect a player who brought consistency, grit, and offensive spark to every team he joined.

Pierre Plante’s career spanned a transformative era in hockey—one defined by speed, physicality, and expanding league identity. He was a player who could score, entertain, and endure. His durability, his flair, and his contributions to multiple franchises made him a respected figure across the NHL.

Condolences to his family and friends and may he Rest in Peace.

 

Regular season                        Playoffs

Season Team   League GP       G         A         Pts       PIM     GP       G         A         Pts       PIM

1968–69          Drummondville Rangers         QJHL  44        11        13        24        35        10        2          10            12        12

1969–70          Drummondville Rangers         QMJHL           51        51        51        102      186      1          1            0          1          7

1970–71          Drummondville Rangers         QMJHL           58        38        50        88        251      6          2            9          11        14

1971–72          Philadelphia Flyers     NHL    24        1          0          1          15        —        —        —        —            —

1971–72          Richmond Robins       AHL    47        10        17        27        51        —        —        —        —            —

1972–73          Philadelphia Flyers     NHL    2          0          3          3          0          —        —        —        —            —

1972–73          Richmond Robins       AHL    30        9          11        20        56        —        —        —        —            —

1972–73          St. Louis Blues            NHL    49        12        13        25        56        5          2          0          2            15

1973–74          St. Louis Blues            NHL    78        26        28        54        85        —        —        —        —            —

1974–75          St. Louis Blues            NHL    80        34        32        66        125      2          0          0          0            8

1975–76          St. Louis Blues            NHL    74        14        19        33        77        3          0          0          0            6

1976–77          St. Louis Blues            NHL    76        18        20        38        77        4          0          0          0            2

1977–78          Chicago Black Hawks NHL    77        10        18        28        59        1          0          0          0            0

1978–79          New York Rangers      NHL    70        6          25        31        37        18        0          6          6            20

1979–80          Quebec Nordiques      NHL    69        4          14        18        68        —        —        —        —            —

1979–80          Syracuse Firebirds       AHL    3          0          0          0          2          —        —        —        —            —

NHL totals       599      125      172      297      599      33        2          6          8          51