- Associated Press - Tuesday, January 10, 2012

MONTREAL (AP) - Ron Caron, a longtime assistant general manager with the Montreal Canadiens who went on to become GM of the St. Louis Blues, has died. He was 82.

Caron died Monday in Montreal, a Blues team spokesman said.

Nicknamed the “The Professor” for his strong hockey memory, Caron worked under GM Sam Pollock in Montreal and helped the team win six Stanley Cups in the 1970s. The Canadiens won in 1971 and 1973 and four straight titles from 1976-79.

Caron was hired as general manager of the Blues in 1983 and spent a decade in the position. He helped the Blues reach the playoffs in each of his 11 seasons, and they reached the conference finals once, losing to the Calgary Flames in 1986.

He acquired some of the top players in franchise history, including Brett Hull, Adam Oates, Al MacInnis and Brendan Shanahan.

Caron retired in 1994, but returned in 1996 to serve as interim general manager and the Blues once again made the playoffs.

He led St. Louis to a 438-405-127 record during his career. The club went 47-22-11 in 1990-91, the third-best season in team history.

“Mr. Caron was extremely passionate about the Blues and the city of St. Louis,” said John Davidson, Blues president of hockey operations. “He will truly be missed.”

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