The Top Ten Most Important People in Rangers’ History: #10 Andy Bathgate

In the long history of the New York Rangers, Hall of Famer, Andy Bathgate, was the first ever-pure goal scorer.

After first breaking into the league in 1952-53, it took him a few seasons before finally catching his stride in 1954/55.

From that point on, Bathgate was as good as gold, leading the Rangers in scoring each and every season from 1955/56 until 1962/63— a stretch of nine seasons— something that no other Rangers has yet since been able to accomplish.

Although Adam Graves is most well known for being the wearer of number nine, Bathgate was the first real good player to do so.

Following the announcement to retire Graves’ number nine, some fans were outraged and felt that Bathgate should have his honored as well.

The Rangers will not formally retire his number, but he along with Harry Howell, will have a banner night sometime in the upcoming season.

1952-1953	Rangers	18	0	1	1		6
1953-1954	Rangers	20	2	2	4		18
1954-1955	Rangers	70	20	20	40		37
1955-1956	Rangers	70	19	47	66		59
1956-1957	Rangers	70	27	50	77		60
1957-1958	Rangers	65	30	48	78		42
1958-1959	Rangers	70	40	48	88		48
1959-1960	Rangers	70	26	48	74		28
1960-1961	Rangers	70	29	48	77		22
1961-1962	Rangers	70	28	56	84		44
1962-1963	Rangers	70	35	46	81		54
1963-1964	Rangers	56	16	43	59		26

NYR Totals:

·         719 GP;

·         272 G;

·         457 A;

·         729 P;

·         444 PIM.

NHL Totals:

·         1069 GP;

·         349 G;

·         624 A;

·         973 P;

·         624 PIM.

Teams Played For:

·         New York Rangers;

·         Toronto Maple Leafs;

·         Detroit Red Wings;

·         Pittsburgh Penguins.

NHL Awards:

·         Hart Trophy (1958-59);

·         All-Star Team (1957-1964);

·         Hall of Fame Induction (1978).

*Served as Rangers Captain from 1961-1964.

Note: This is the first in a series of ten articles detailing the ten most important people in Rangers' History. Be sure to stay tuned, they are to be posted daily.