The National Hockey League is once again mourning the loss of a Hall of Fame goaltender, and this time it is New York Rangers legend Eddie Giacomin. Today the organization has announced that Giacomin, 86, has passed away.
Eddie Giacomin was an integral member of the New York Rangers for a decade and personified what being a Ranger is all about, both to his teammates and the Blueshirts faithful. You cannot discuss the history of this organization and not immediately think of Eddie. The great Rod… pic.twitter.com/pf5jupMv03
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 15, 2025
Giacomin was the second player to ever have their number retired by the organization, 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.
"Giacomin played in six NHL All-Star Games (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973), including five straight appearances from 1967 to 1971. The netminder was selected as a First Team All-Star twice (1967, 1971), and was honored as a Second Team All-Star three times (1968, 1969, 1970). In 1970-71, he was awarded the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goaltender, sharing the honor with Gilles Villemure."
He ended his career with the Detroit Red Wings, and once the most memorable moments of his career was his return to Madison Square Garden two days after being claimed off waivers when he received a standing ovation from The Garden faithful.
Giacomin spent 71 games across three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings and went 23-37-7 with a 3.47 goals against average and a .883 save percentage. He retired after the 1977-78 season, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.
Giacomin was a true franchise legend, and key part of the Emile Francis Rangers who did everything but win it all. He remains a big part of the team's history and is currently the third-winningest goaltender, and appeared in the fourth-most games played. In terms of standing in the overall game, he led the league in total wins from 1966-67 to 1968-69, and total minutes from 1966-67 to 1969-70.
With this season being the Rangers' centennial season, I'd expect them to honor Giacomin, because he was the guy long before Mike Richter, Henrik Lundqvist, and now Igor Shesterkin.