If you've watched any Rangers games this year, you may have not noticed a special No. 7 patch on the shoulder of their jerseys, with the words "Mr. Ranger." on the top.
That is worn in honor of Rod Gilbert, a former Rangers player and ambassador for the team who was a fan favorite during his playing days in the '60s and '70s.
While Gilbert was only a part of one New York team to play in a Stanley Cup Final, he's with the Rangers in a way this season, as the club competes in the Eastern Conference Final, one step closer to securing their first Cup win since 1994.
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Why are the Rangers wearing the No. 7 patch on their jerseys?
Gilbert died on Aug. 19, 2021, at the age of 80.
The Rangers elected to honor Gilbert this season by adding a patch to their jerseys with his No. 7. They also held a moment of silence for Gilbert before their home opener this season on Oct. 14, 2021.
We take a moment of silence to honor #7, Mr. Ranger, Rod Gilbert pic.twitter.com/HbEcuxZp4C
— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) October 14, 2021
Rod Gilbert' legacy with the Rangers
He's not called "Mr. Ranger" for nothing.
Gilbert joined the Rangers at the end of the 1960-61 season after playing in the QMJHL with the Guelph Royals. He quickly became a fan favorite as he rose to the top of NHL stardom. Along with Vic Hadfield and Jean Ratelle, the trio formed what came to be known as the GAG line, an acronym for "Goal-A-Game".
To this day, no one has scored more goals or registered more points in New York franchise history than Gilbert. He ended his career with 406 goals and 1,021 points, playing in 1,065 games with the Rangers.
While he never won a Stanley Cup during his time in the NHL, Gilbert was an eight-time All-Star and was awarded the Bill Masterton Trophy in 1976.
The Rangers retired his No. 7 on Oct. 14, 1979. It was the first number ever hung in the rafters by the team. Three years later in 1982, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Later on after his retirement, Gilbert became president of the Rangers' alumni association and also served as director of special projects, as well as community relations representative for the organization.
