After losing Rod Gilbert last August, the Rangers organization suffered another major loss with the passing of Emile Francis, The Cat, on Saturday. Francis, who the team's GM from October 1964 to January 1976, also served as the team's coach for parts of 10 seasons from 1965-1975. The Cat is the organization's all-time leader in wins, games coached and points percentage (minimum 100 games coached). In addition, he is also the franchise's leader in playoff wins (34) and games coached (75).
A legend.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 20, 2022
A leader.
A pioneer.
One of a kind.
You will be missed, Emile Francis. pic.twitter.com/iKrcUkdtet
Under Francis, who formed the G-A-G line and acquired Ed Giacomin and others, the Rangers made the NHL semifinals in four consecutive seasons, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 1972. New York fell 4-2 to Boston, partially impacted by a less than 100% Jean Ratelle, who was injured late in the season. Francis played in just 100 games as a goaltender in the NHL with Chicago and New York from 1947-1952. After leaving the Rangers, Francis worked for the Whalers and Blues before retiring in 1993. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fane in 1982 as a builder while working for St. Louis.
The Rangers’ statement on the passing of Emile Francis. #NHL #NYR #NYRangers #Rangers pic.twitter.com/56Jz1Ouo1q
— Denis P. Gorman (@DenisGorman) February 20, 2022
A pioneer and an architect of greatness. pic.twitter.com/HvhFYwyQxX
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 20, 2022
Francis formed the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League in New York, giving kids locally a chance to play ice hockey. Among the Rangers players who started playing hockey due to Met League were Nick Fotiu and Brian Mullen. That work coupled with outstanding service to hockey in the US as a whole resulted in Francis being honored with the Lester Patrick Trophy in 1982.
A dear friend. A true character. pic.twitter.com/2CgPLgo4dW
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 20, 2022
For a great look at Francis and the era during which he was the GM, read George Grimm's book, "They Did Everything But Win." The book discusses the role Francis played in building the team and the difficult decision to trade Ratelle and Brad Park in 1975 for Phil Exposito and Carol Vadnais.
RIP The Cat, you will be sorely missed