Mike Bossy leaves TV role to undergo lung cancer treatment

Legendary New York Islanders forward Mike Bossy revealed on Tuesday that he's stepping away from his role with TVA Sports to battle lung cancer.

"Today, it's with great sorrow that I must take myself off your screens for an obligatory break," Bossy wrote. "A necessary pause during which I'll receive treatment for lung cancer. It's 1-0 for now, but I haven't said my last word."

Bossy, 64, has been a color commentator with the Quebec-based sports channel since 2015.

"I can assure you all that I intend to fight with all the determination and all the spirit that you have seen me display on the ice and in my game," Bossy said.

"The battle I am about to wage will not be easy. Know that I will give 100%, nothing less, with the objective of meeting you again soon, after a very eventful hockey game."

The Hall of Famer spent 10 seasons in the NHL - all with the Islanders - and recorded 573 goals with 553 assists in 752 games. Bossy won the Stanley Cup four consecutive times from 1980-83, has the third-highest all-time average points scored per contest in NHL history, and is one of five players to score 50 goals in 50 games.