Hull was the first player in NHL history to score more than 50 goals in one season, netting 54 in the 1965/66 season.
With 610 goals he ranks 18th all-time among NHL goalscorers. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
"The Chicago Blackhawks are saddened by the passing of Blackhawks legend Bobby Hull, a superstar for our franchise between 1957-1972," the team said in a statement.
"Generations of Chicagoans were dazzled by Bobby's shooting prowess, skating skill and overall team leadership that led to 604 career goals, a franchise record that remains to this day."
Hull, father to another NHL legend Brett Hull, also led a rather controversial life off the ice.
He was accused of spousal abuse and in 1998, a Russian newspaper quoted him saying "Adolf Hitler had some good ideas". The Blackhawks icon vehemently denied the quotes.