NEWS: Toews, Kane, Fleury, Savard and More on Passing of Tony Esposito

In the wake of Tuesday's news of Tony Esposito's passing, several around the organization and the NHL have issued statements in memory of the Hall of Fame netminder:

Blackhawks Captain Jonathan Toews:

"Tony was a wonderful person who meant the world to Blackhawks fans and the city of Chicago. He also meant a lot to the players on the team as he was welcoming to us all and taught us how special it was to be a part of this organization. The legacy he left with this franchise will live on forever and we will never forget his accomplishments. On behalf of all my teammates, my condolences go out to the entire Esposito family."

Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane:

"From the moment I joined the franchise, 'Tony O' showed me the true meaning of being a member of the Chicago Blackhawks. He was a special person that treated every single player in our locker room like family and relished the opportunity to connect with fans. I look forward to carrying on his legacy by taking what I learned from him and passing it down to future generations of Chicago Blackhawks players, exactly like he did for so many of my teammates and I over the years. I'm humbled to have had the opportunity to be around him, Marilyn and his family for so many years and I send my deepest condolences to the entire Esposito family."

Blackhawks netminder Marc-Andre Fleury:

"I would like to send my sincere sympathies and condolences to Tony Esposito's family and friends. Tony had a huge impact on the National Hockey League and fans of the Chicago Blackhawks as a legend in net. He paved the way for the next generation of butterfly goalies with his style of play and success stopping pucks. I hope the Espositos know I'm proud to be following in his footsteps as a Blackhawks netminder."

Blackhawks Ambassador and Hall of Fame forward Denis Savard:

"I am deeply saddened to hear the passing of 'Tony O.' He was not only my teammate, but he was also a very good friend off the ice. I will miss walking with him at Blackhawks games, visiting the many great fans. Please accept our most sincere condolences to Marilyn and the entire Esposito family."

San Jose Sharks General Manager and longtime Blackhawk defenseman Doug Wilson

"It was heartbreaking to receive the news today of the passing of my teammate and close friend, Tony Esposito. Tony was a mentor to me in my first several seasons in Chicago and he exuded leadership and class, while being one of the most dominant players ever seen at his position. The Wilson family sends our love to his wife, Marilyn and his sons Mark and Jason:"

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman

"The National Hockey League, the Chicago Blackhawks and the city of Chicago lost a beloved member of the hockey family earlier today with the passing of Tony Esposito," Commissioner Bettman said. "From his arrival in the Windy City in the late 1960s through an illustrious playing career and decades as a franchise icon, Tony left an indelible mark - both on the ice and in the community - over the next 52 years. Beyond the individual awards - and there were many, including a Calder Trophy, numerous All-Star and Vezina Trophy recognitions, and ultimately election to the Hockey Hall of Fame - it was Esposito's style, charisma and heart that endeared him most to hockey fans not only in Chicago but across the NHL. 'Tony O' was a fierce competitor who also took great pride in being an entertainer, whether it was with his pioneering butterfly style during his playing days or interacting with fans across the League as one of this game's great ambassadors.
"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."