Rangers icon Rod Gilbert has died

New York Rangers legend, Hall of Famer Rod Gilbert passed away at the age of 80, the team announced on Sunday.

New York Rangers fans received heartbreaking news on Sunday. Hockey Hall of Famer and the man famously nicknamed “Mr. Ranger,” Rod Gilbert, passed away at the age of 80.

The Rangers officially announced the news through their social media outlets.

“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,” said Rangers owner James Dolan in a statement, via the team’s website. “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.”

Rangers legend Rod Gilbert passes away at the age of 80

Gilbert made his debut with the Rangers back in 1960 and he spent the entirety of his career with the organization. Of course, Blueshirts fans remember him teaming up alongside fellow greats Jean Ratelle and Vic Hadfield on the GAG (Goal-a-Game) line. Gilbert’s 97 points (43 goals, 54 assists) in the 1971-72 season helped lead New York to the playoffs, where they made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. At the time, it was the team’s first appearance in the Finals since 1950.

Through his 18 seasons with the Rangers, Gilbert scored 406 goals and tallied 1,021 points, both of which still hold as franchise records. Additionally, Gilbert was an eight-time All-Star and won the Bill Masterton Trophy in the 1975-76 season.

Right after Gilbert retired from the NHL, the Rangers officially retired his No. 7 jersey into the rafters of Madison Square Garden in 1979. He was the first Rangers player to have his number retired by the franchise. Gilbert received induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982.