The late great Rod Gilbert is someone who is forever synonymous with the Blueshirts, and he's an integral part of their history in so many ways. Gilbert's No. 7 was the first number retired for the New York Rangers, post playing career he served as a long-time ambassador who was a staple around Madison Square Garden interacting with fans, and most recently he had an award created in his memory.
He's named "Mr. Ranger" for a reason. The right winger is one of the best Rangers of all-time, as well as one of the best players in the NHL. Gilbert was the first player to record 1,000 points with the franchise, as well as score 400 goals in a Blueshirts' uniform.
“Since I was the first one, you don’t realize the importance and the honor of having your number [No. 7] immortalized and be at Madison Square Garden,” Gilbert said to NHL.com on his jersey retirement. “Madison Square Garden is my home, and I’ll never forget (that night).”
Rod Gilbert's iconic history with the Rangers
There are many reasons why Rod Gilbert is Mr. Ranger and moments like this 👇 are the #1 reason. All class all the time. Hope you're resting well, Mr. Gilbert. #NYR pic.twitter.com/MjBsgrRWoF
— The Hockey Samurai 侍 (@hockey_samurai) April 29, 2023
Additionally, Gilbert was also inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982.
The eight-time All-Star scored more than 75 points in seven of his 16 seasons in the league, posting a career-high 97 points twice, and became the first — and so far only — player in Rangers history to score 1,000 points with the team. He is the franchise leader in goals (406) and points (1,021), and was the all-time leader in assists with 615 until he was passed by Brian Leetch during the 2000-01 season.
Gilbert also helped lead the growth and development of the New York Rangers Alumni Association and served as a goodwill ambassador for Madison Square Garden.
He will forever be known as a person who was the definition of excellence on and off the ice and who loved nothing more than the Rangers and New York City.