Guy Lafleur Autographed Biography

There's an expression used nowadays for elite players who are better than other elite players: ''generational talent''. And Guy Lafleur is the last generational skater the Montréal Canadiens have had (though I'm hoping P.K. Subban continues to develop as a leader and proves to be superior to the rest of his class).

But above his Hall Of Fame statistics and spectacular highlight reel-worthy plays, what always set Lafleur apart was his personality. Never content with spewing clichés, you can still count on him to deliver his actual, straightforward opinion on any subject - including the Habs - in any context, be it on the street, in his restaurants, in TV interviews, even at the Bell Centre. Always has, always will, even when he was employed by the team.

And he is always there to speak with fans, have his picture taken with them, signing autographs. I've had a TTM success with him in the past, myself, though this time, I won this autographed biography (authored by his long-time friend and confidante Yves Tremblay) by winning the first half-season of a hockey pool I'm in at Publications Sports:

The signature can be found inside, on the first blank page, as is customary:

It reads ''Amitiés, Guy Lafleur 10'', which literally (usually) means ''friendship'', but in this context is more of a greeting or salutation, or the equivalent of ''best wishes''.

All in all, I'm very delighted to have this book, which I'll read as soon as I'm done with Chris Nilan's autobiography (Fighting Back). For those who need a reminder, Lafleur's resume is quite spectacular:

-560 regular-season goals (518 with the Habs), 58 playoff goals.
-1353 regular-season points (1346 with Montréal, a team record), 134 playoff points (in 128 games).
-six straight 50-goal and 100-point seasons
-holds the Habs team record of 136 points in a single season (1976-77)
-shares team record of 60 goals in a single season (1977-78) with Steve Shutt
-3 Art Ross trophies
-2 Hart trophies
-3 Lester B. Pearson Awards (now Ted Lindsay Trophy) as MVP voted by players
-1977 Conn Smythe trophy (despite playing on a team with 8 Hall Of Famers)
-5 Stanley Cups
-one of three players to play in the NHL after being named to the Hall Of Fame

Truly, an all-time great player and person.