Rod Gilbert, Rangers legend, dies at 80

The New York Rangers family has lost a legend.  Rod Gilbert passed away on Sunday at the age of 80.  The Hall of Famer was a lifelong Ranger and a familiar face at Madison Square Garden. He was truly the greatest ambassador for the Blueshirts and he will be missed by everyone in the hockey world.

Born on July 1, 1941 in Montreal, Quebec, he was signed by the Rangers on August 1 , 1961, one of the greatest signings in team history.  Considering that the Montreal Canadiens maintained a monopoly on French Canadian players in those days, it was a miracle that the Rangers were able to get him first and it led to the signing of his boyhood friend, Jean Ratelle.

The right winger made it to the NHL for good in 1962 and he played 18 years, all with the Rangers.  He was a member of the famous GAG line with Ratelle and Vic Hadfield and he is the franchise leader in numerous offensive statistics including goals (406), points (1,021) and game-winning goals (52).  He played 1,065 games, more than any other Ranger forward.

His on ice feats were numerous. He was the first Ranger to reach 1,000 career points, set an NHL record with points in 14 straight games to start a season, he set an NHL record with 16 shots on goal in one game and he set a franchise record scoring the game winning goal in three straight games.

He played in 79 playoff games, scoring 34 goals and 67 points.  He won the Masterton Trophy in 1976, was a first or second team All-Star twice and represented Canada at the Summit Series against the Soviet Union in 1972.

Gilbert was the first Ranger player to have his number retired and his number seven has hung from the rafters since October 14, 1979.   He was the second Ranger (after Harry Howell) to be honored with his own “night” at the Garden, so honored while he was still an active player in 1977.

He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982.  After he retired he continued to work for the Rangers, a relationship that lasted over 60 years.

Though most Ranger fans weren’t fortunate  enough to see him play, they still know him from his presence at the Garden where he was always available for a picture, a handshake or a smile.

Even when he was unable to get to the Garden due to the COVID -19 pandemic, he contributed, stepping out on his balcony every night at 7pm with a hockey stick to salute the front line workers.

All Ranger fans are in mourning for the loss of a legendary Ranger who epitomized class and professionalism.  All of our condolences to the Gilbert family and everyone who had the good fortune to be touched by him.  Good-bye Rod, you will be missed.