Reports: Pat Burns, Battling Cancer, Returns Home

by Christopher Botta

Filed under: Bruins, Canadiens, Devils, Maple Leafs, NHL Coaching

Pat Burns appears to be near the end of his fight with lung cancer. According to reports out of Canada, the 58-year-old Burns has returned to his home in Magog, Quebec, so he can be with his family.

A three-time winner of the Jack Adams Trophy as NHL coach of the year, Burns has battled lung cancer for the last two years. His last public appearance was in March, when an arena in nearby Stanstead, Quebec, was renamed in his honor.

There was a significant grass-roots movement to push for Burns' induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, but the voting committee did not elect him during their vote in June.

Burns coached the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils. He led the Devils to the Stanley Cup in 2003. A year later, he was diagnosed with colon cancer but continued to work. He retired from coaching in 2005 after being diagnosed with liver cancer.

In an interview in April, Burns said, "I know my life is nearing its end and I accept that."

 

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