Former Nordiques Director, Oilers Scout Gilles Leger Dies at Age 83 – Hockey

Photo: The Canadian Press

TORONTO — Gilles Leger, who spent 11 seasons as an executive with the NHL’s Quebec Nordiques, has died at the age of 83.

The NHL confirmed Leger’s death in a statement Wednesday. A cause of death was not provided.

Leger joined the Nordiques in 1979, taking over as director of player development when the team transitioned from the disbanded World Hockey Association to the NHL.

He served in that role for four seasons before becoming assistant general manager, a position he held until 1995, when the club moved to Colorado.

Leger served as a scout with the Edmonton Oilers from 1998 to 2000, then served in the same role with the New York Rangers from 2000 to 2020.

He coached at St. Francis Xavier University in Canada from 1967 to 1972 before moving to the WHA, where he was an assistant in Ottawa and Toronto, and then coach and general manager of Birmingham from 1976 to 1979.

“The hockey world mourns the passing of Gilles Leger, whose professional hockey career spanned six decades as a coach, general manager, scout and other hockey personnel for teams in the NHL, AHL and WHA,” the NHL said in a statement. “We extend our sincere condolences to his family and the many friends he made in hockey during his long career serving the game he loved.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 14, 2024.