Rangers Legend Andy Bathgate Dies

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Hockey Hall of Famer and Rangers legend Andy Bathgate died Friday. He was 83.

The Rangers confirmed his death on Twitter, saying: "Today we lost a legendary Blueshirt with the passing of Andy Bathgate. Our thoughts are with his wife Merle & family."

His cause of death was not disclosed.

A fan favorite for his creative playmaking, Bathgate played 18 seasons in the NHL, 11½ of those with the Rangers (1952-64).

He won the Hart Trophy following the 1958-59 season, when he registered 40 goals and 48 assists.

The winger was traded to Toronto in February 1964 and helped the Maple Leafs win a Stanley Cup championship that season. The eight-time All-Star also played for the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Bathgate, a native of Winnipeg, Canada, played in 1,069 games and had 349 goals and 624 assists.

He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1978, and the Rangers retired his No. 9 in 2009. His jersey hangs in the Madison Square Garden rafters, and he still holds the Rangers' record for consecutive games with a goal (10).