- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
Ron Duguay, the flamboyant forward who became one of the most beloved figures in New York Rangers history, has died at 69 following a battle with cancer. A team spokesperson announced the death Thursday after relatives notified the organization.
The Sudbury, Ontario native played nearly 1,000 NHL games from the late 1970s through the 1980s, skating for the Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings before a second stint in New York. Selected 13th overall in the 1977 draft, he recorded 620 points in 864 regular-season contests and added 53 points in 89 playoff games. The 1981-82 All-Star compiled 673 points across regular-season and postseason play combined.
Duguay reached the 1979 Stanley Cup Final with the Rangers, falling to the Montreal Canadiens in five games. He also represented Canada at the 1981 Canada Cup, winning silver at the 1977 World Junior Championship. His flowing hair and distinctive skating style made him a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden.
After retiring from various minor leagues in 2009, Duguay served as a Rangers analyst on MSG Networks from 2007 to 2018. He later dated Sarah Palin, who posted that she was "shattered" but at peace knowing "Ron is with Jesus now." His family had started a GoFundMe earlier this year for travel and treatment expenses.
Source: ESPN (also reported by Daily Faceoff) - Thu Oct 22, 10:43 AM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).