Islanders legend Mike Bossy dies of cancer at 65

Bossy played with the Isles from 1977 to 1987 and was a key member of all four Islanders Stanley Cup teams. He scored 573 goals and had 553 assists during that time. He is the team's all-time goals leader.

President Reagan addresses a reception for the Stanley Cup champion New York Islanders hockey club at the White House in Washington, D.C., May 24, 1983. From left are: Billy Smith; Reagan; Denis Potvin; and Mike Bossy. (AP Photo/Ira Schwarz)

Bossy won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's best rookie in 1978. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy, given to the Stanley Cup playoff MVP, in 1982.

Bossy was the second player to score 50 goals in 50 games, a feat he accomplished in the 1980-81 season.

Mike Bossy holds a puck signifying his scoring 50 goals in 50 games, from Jan. 24, 1981. Bossy scored two goals against the Quebec Nordiques to tie the record held by Maurice "Rocket" Richard. He scored both goals in the last five minutes of the third period, helping the Islanders beat Quebec, 7-4. (AP Photo/Bennett)

He also won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly play three times.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991, and his No. 22 was retired by the Islanders in 1992.

VIDEO: Islanders teammate and friend Butch Goring reflects on Mike Bossy's legacy

Bossy is the third Dynasty-era Islander to die this year. Fellow Hall of Famer Clark Gillies died at 67 in January, while former Islanders defenseman and radio broadcaster Jean Potvin died at 72 last month.

"The New York Islanders organization mourns the loss of Mike Bossy, an icon not only on Long Island but across the entire hockey world. His drive to be the best every time he stepped on the ice was second to none," said Islanders president and GM Lou Lamoriello. Along with his teammates, he helped win four straight Stanley Cup championships, shaping the history of this franchise forever. On behalf of the entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to the entire Bossy family and all those who grieve this tragic loss."

“Though containing him was the obsession of opposing coaches and checking him the focus of opposing players, Bossy’s brilliance was unstoppable and his production relentless throughout his entire career. He scored 53 goals and won the Calder Trophy in 1977-78, and his goal-scoring never waned until the injuries that prematurely ended his career limited him to 38 goals in his final season of 1986-87 – the only season he didn’t eclipse 50 goals. Voted a First Team All-Star five times, he won the Lady Byng Trophy three times and the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1982. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991 and named one of the NHL’s Top 100 Players in 2017, Bossy was one of our game’s all-time greats," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Lucie, their daughters, Josiane and Tanya, his former Islanders teammates and his countless fans on Long Island, the New York metropolitan area and throughout the hockey world. He thrilled fans like few others.”

"He was one of the great scorers and one of the great people in the league. He will be missed," said Islanders coach Barry Trotz.