New York Rangers unveil helmet tribute to honor Eddie Giacomin

The New York Rangers took the ice for the first time at Madison Square Garden since the passing of franchise legend Eddie Giacomin, and they honored him prior to their preseason game against the Boston Bruins.

In addition to that video, the team announced they are honoring him all season long with a special decal on the back of each helmet.

Giacomin, 86, was the second player to ever have their number retired by the Rangers, and his No. 1 sweater was hoisted to the rafters on March 15, 1989. He spent 539 games with the team between 1965 and 1976, and at the time he left the team he ranked first in total wins (267), shutouts (49), and total appearances.

In addition to his exemplary play for the Emile Francis Rangers who did just about everything but win a Stanley Cup, he is best remembered for his return to Madison Square Garden with the Detroit Red Wings days after being claimed off waivers. Giacomin was an icon for the organization, and the gold standard in net before the franchise saw Mike Richter, Henrik Lundqvist, and Igor Shesterkin come along.

This season the Rangers are wearing patches for the centennial season, and they just added their first ever jersey partner patch. Had the team not had already committed that real estate, there's a good chance the team would have sported a jersey patch similar to when Rod Gilbert passed away.

In any case, the tribute to Giacomin is well deserved, and it can serve as a conversation starter to introduce younger fans to a player who was so important to the franchise. As part of the centennial season the Rangers are having a series of theme nights. One such night is being held on February 5, 2026 and will focus on the best goaltending talents of the last 100 years. Giacomin is someone who was already going to be featured, but I'd imagine he could have a more prominent presence as a way of celebrating him even more following his death.