Rod Gilbert, who rightfully earned the nickname “Mr. Ranger” after an 18-year career with the team, has died at the age of 80.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rod Gilbert – one of the greatest Rangers to ever play for our organization and one of the greatest ambassadors the game of hockey has ever had,” James Dolan said in a statement. “While his on-ice achievements rightly made him a Hall of Famer, it was his love for the Rangers and the people of New York that endeared him to generations of fans and forever earned him the title, ‘Mr. Ranger.’ Our thoughts are with Rod’s wife, Judy, and the entire Gilbert family during this difficult time. They will always be a part of the Rangers family.”
Gilbert played for the Rangers from 1960 to 1978, and his No. 7 was retired just a year after he retired – it was the first number retired by the organization, and he was Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982.
“Everyone in the Rangers organization mourns the loss of a true New York icon,” said Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury in a statement the team released. “Rod’s remarkable talent and zest for life personified this city and endeared him to hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike. Growing up a young Rangers fan, one of the first names I ever heard about was Rod Gilbert – he was synonymous with Rangers hockey. It was an incredible privilege to get to know Rod. His passion and dedication to the Rangers will forever be a source of inspiration for me.”
At the time of his retirement, he had trailed only Gordie Howe for the most goals by a right-winger in NHL history (406). He remains the franchise’s all-time leader in goals and points (1,021), and is second in assists (615) behind Brian Leetch.