Ron Duguay, a longtime New York Rangers forward known for his speed and distinctive flowing hair, died Thursday after a battle with stage 4 colon cancer. He was 69.
The Rangers organization confirmed that his family notified the team of the death. Duguay had been diagnosed in 2024, and the illness later spread to other organs. He lost his appendix and gallbladder during more than a year of treatment.
Selected 13th overall by New York in the 1977 NHL draft, the Sudbury, Ontario, native spent his first six seasons with the Rangers. He helped the club reach the 1979 Stanley Cup Final, where it fell to the Montreal Canadiens in five games.
His peak individual season came in 1981-82. Duguay earned an All-Star selection that year and scored a career-high 40 goals. Fans at Madison Square Garden often recalled his graceful skating style, especially during an era when many players still skated without helmets.
Across 12 NHL seasons, Duguay appeared in 864 regular-season games for the Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings. He finished with 274 goals and 346 assists for 620 points. In the playoffs, he added 31 goals and 22 assists in 89 games.
After leaving the league following the 1988-89 season, he continued playing professionally in Germany and the minor leagues. He later returned to the Rangers organization as a television analyst for MSG Networks from 2007 to 2018.
In recent years, Duguay drew public attention for his relationship with Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee. Palin shared the news of his death on social media.
“It’s with a shattered heart but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now,” Palin wrote. “He fought so hard. Love never ends.”
The Rangers issued a statement mourning the loss of “one of the most popular players in franchise history.” The club noted that “Ron’s signature skating style — with his hair flowing as he moved down the ice — captivated The Garden Faithful, and his skill, tenacity, and charisma earned him the admiration of all New Yorkers.”
The NHL also released a statement, describing Duguay as “a charismatic figure who made a lasting impression on the game.” League officials extended condolences to his family and fans across the hockey community.
Duguay is survived by his children, Shay Thomas, Amber Stavros and Noah Duguay, along with five grandchildren. Earlier this year, his family had launched a fundraising effort to help cover the costs of travel and medical treatments.
His career totals place him among the more productive scorers of his generation, with consistent contributions during both regular-season play and postseason runs. The 1981-82 campaign remains the clearest marker of his offensive peak.
Friends and former teammates have recalled his outgoing personality and willingness to connect with fans long after his playing days ended. That visibility extended through his broadcasting work and continued public appearances.
Services and memorial plans had not been announced as of Thursday evening. The hockey community continues to share memories of his time in New York and beyond.
