#5 – Nick Fotiu
Staten Island native Nick Fotiu was not an unknown when the Rangers signed him in 1976. He had played two seasons in the WHA for the New England Whalers . The Whalers had discovered him toiling for the Cape Codders in the NAHL where he led the league in penalty minutes.
Fotiu had two stints in New York over eight seasons. While he scored only 41 goals in 455 games, the left winger is sixth all time in Ranger penalty minutes. Beloved by Blueshirt fans, Fotiu was a willing fighter who brought toughness to the team and ranks as one of the best enforcers in Ranger history.
Famously, Fotiu was one of the first players to make it from the five boroughs. He often spoke about coming to games and sitting up in the fabled blue seats back when they made up the entire upper bowl. Cult heroes inspire fans and Fotiu was no exception. For future generations of kids that went to games in hopes of one day donning the Ranger sweater, Fotiu was god.