Blue Line Station
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New York Rangers: The best undrafted players in franchise history

By Steve Paulus

TAMPA, FL - MAY 22: Martin St. Louis
TAMPA, FL - MAY 22: Martin St. Louis /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 31: Mark Laforest #33 of the Philadelphia Flyers alumni shakes hands with Nick Fotiu #22 of the New York Rangers alumni after the game at Citizens Bank Park during the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic – Alumni Game on December 31, 2011 in Philadelphia. (Photo by Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 31: Mark Laforest #33 of the Philadelphia Flyers alumni shakes hands with Nick Fotiu #22 of the New York Rangers alumni after the game at Citizens Bank Park during the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic – Alumni Game on December 31, 2011 in Philadelphia. (Photo by Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images) /

#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.

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