When you think of Harry Howell, you think of a trailblazer in Rangers history. One statistic speaks volumes about Howell's outstanding contributions to the Blueshirts – 1,160 regular-season games played in a Rangers sweater.
By comparison, modern-day franchise legend Henrik Lundqvist has played in 851 career regular-season games. To match Howell's 1,160, Lundqvist would need to appear in 10 of the Rangers' remaining 14 games of the 2018-19 season, then average 50 games played over the next six seasons. It's unlikely that anyone will ever eclipse Howell's record.
Howell died Saturday night at age 86. He will be remembered as an incredible model of consistency for the Rangers for 17 seasons. A pure stay-at-home defenseman, Howell was a stalwart blue liner. His reliability earned him NHL first-team All-Star honors in 1967, and he played in seven All-Star Games, in 1954, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968 and 1970.
Notably, Howell was the last pre-expansion era player to win the Norris Trophy in 1967. After Howell took home the award, Boston Bruins legend Bobby Orr rolled off eight consecutive Norris Trophy wins. If Orr revolutionized the position of defenseman with his end-to-end rushes and offensive dynamism, Howell exemplified the defense-first, steady-as-a-rock approach.
Rangers team president Glen Sather offered a statement on Howell's passing.
"Today, the New York Rangers and the hockey world are saddened to hear of the passing of Legendary Blueshirt, Harry Howell," Sather said. "One of the most iconic players in franchise history, Harry's Hall of Fame accomplishments on the ice were exceeded only by the tremendous gentleman he was off the ice. I was privileged to have worked with Harry for over a decade in both Edmonton and New York and treasure our memories together.
"Harry played 17 seasons in New York, establishing a franchise record of 1,160 regular season games played, that may never be broken. Affectionately known as 'Harry the Horse,' he won the Norris Trophy in 1966-67 and was a stalwart on defense. Alongside his dear friend and teammate #9 Andy Bathgate, seeing his No. 3 jersey take its rightful place in the Madison Square Garden rafters in 2009 was a proud moment for our franchise. The entire Rangers organization sends our most heartfelt condolences to the Howell family who recently lost Harry's beloved wife Marilyn, just a few weeks ago. They will always remain in our hearts and forever be a part of our Rangers family."
Following his final season as a Ranger in 1968-69, Howell continued playing in the NHL past age 40 for the Oakland Seals and Los Angeles Kings. He continued playing in the WHA for the New Jersey Knights, San Diego Mariners and Calgary Cowboys before retiring after the 1975-76 WHA season.
Howell's reputation for being one of the NHL's excellent positional defensemen of his era led to a Hockey Hall of Fame induction in 1979. In 1990, he contributed to the Edmonton Oilers' most recent Stanley Cup championship as a scout.
The Rangers held a special night on Feb. 22, 2009, when Howell's No. 3 and longtime teammate Andy Bathgate's No. 9 were raised to the Madison Square Garden rafters.
"No matter wherever else I played, I always said that I played in New York for the New York Rangers," a 76-year-old Howell told the crowd during the ceremony.
When a number goes up in the Garden rafters, a player's legacy lives forever. Though Howell and Bathgate have passed on, any young Rangers fan looking up at the retired numbers will ask about them and learn about two players who made indelible contributions to the Blueshirts' crest.
Legends live forever.
Follow Sean on Twitter at @HartnettHockey.
