10 greatest New York Rangers in franchise history

Bill Cook didn’t play in the NHL until he was 30 years old. However, he is still one of the greatest New York Rangers to ever put on the famous sweater. Cook was a member of the inaugural Rangers in 1926-27, leading the NHL in both goals (33) and points (37). Usually, 33-4 sounds like a dead-ball era record for a starting pitcher, but that was Cook’s goal to assist ratio. He nearly won the Hart Trophy but finished second to Montreal Canadiens defenseman Herb Gardiner.

Cook wasn’t able to repeat his rookie season in 1927-28, but he played a huge role in helping the Rangers win their first Stanley Cup. During the postseason, he had five points (two goals and three assists) in nine games.

Usually, 33-4 sounds like a dead-ball era record for a starting pitcher, but that was Cook’s goal to assist ratio.

Starting in 1930-31, Cook was named to four consecutive NHL All-Star teams (three first-team appearances and one second-team). In 1932-33, he replicated his rookie season, leading the league in both goals (28) and points (50). However, Cook also replicated his second place finish in the Hart Trophy, narrowly losing to Bruins defenseman Eddie Shore.

If you adjust for era, Cook ranks fourth all-time among Rangers players in points. Because he played so long ago, he’s often forgotten. Cook was named to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1952 and eventually went on to coach the Rangers for two seasons.

The reason he ranks so low on this list is because he was a late bloomer. Had Cook gotten a start to his NHL career earlier, he’d probably be higher.