Chicago Blackhawks franchise icon Tony Esposito died Tuesday at the age of 78 following a short battle with pancreatic cancer, the team announced.

The Hall of Fame goaltender played all but one of his 16 NHL seasons in the Windy City, and he remains the all-time franchise leader in shutouts (74) and career wins (418). Three Vezina Trophies (1970, 1972, 1974) and one Stanley Cup victory with the Montreal Canadiens in 1969 punctuated Esposito's decorated career. The Blackhawks retired his No. 35 in 1988.

"Tony was one of the most important and popular figures in the history of the franchise as we near its 100th anniversary," team chairman Rocky Wirtz said in a statement. "He was tireless, reliable, and a great teammate."

Esposito authored a career .906 save percentage and was awarded the Calder Trophy in 1970 for his stellar rookie campaign. Esposito's 423-306-151 career record ranks 10th in NHL history.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also mourned the death of the "fierce competitor."

"It was Esposito’s style, charisma, and heart that endeared him most to hockey fans not only in Chicago but across the NHL," Bettman wrote in a statement. "The hockey world will miss him greatly. The NHL family extends its deepest sympathies to his wife, Marilyn, sons Mark (Kim) and Jason, and grandchildren Lauren and Kamryn."

Esposito retired from the league in 1984 and was enshrined into the Hall of Fame just four years later. The brother of star NHL forward Phil Esposito, "Tony O" had been working as Chicago's team ambassador since March 2008.

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