Mike Gartner, the only player in New York Rangers history to score 40 or more goals in three separate seasons, will become the new chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame next year. The Hall announced on Monday that Gartner, 64, will succeed Lanny McDonald, whose 10-year term ends in 2025. Gartner will step into the role of chair-elect on October 1.
Gartner has been a part of the Hall’s selection committee since 2009 and has served as its chairman for the past three years. He was inducted into the Hall himself in 2001, eight years prior to joining the committee.
“Lanny has been an incredible leader for everyone involved with the Hockey Hall of Fame over the past 10 years,” Gartner said. “I look forward to continuing his excellent work, honoring individuals who have made special contributions to the game and preserving hockey’s rich history.”
Gartner, who is eighth on the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring list with 708 goals, scored 173 of those during his four seasons with the Rangers. Acquired from the Minnesota North Stars in a trade for Ulf Dahlén on March 6, 1990, Gartner also contributed 14 goals in 29 Stanley Cup Playoff games with New York and was named MVP of the 1993 NHL All-Star Game after netting four goals.
Despite playing only 322 games with the Rangers, Gartner ranks 20th in the team’s history in goals. He averaged .54 goals per game with New York, scoring roughly once every two games.
Rangers’ great Mike Gartner lands new role at Hockey Hall of Fame
Mike Gartner’s impact on the New York Rangers was immediate and significant. After joining the team from the Minnesota North Stars in a trade for Ulf Dahlén on March 6, 1990, Gartner made an immediate impression by scoring 11 goals in 12 games, helping the Rangers secure their first Patrick Division title since the 1941-42 season.
In his first full season with the Rangers, Gartner scored 49 goals, narrowly missing Vic Hadfield’s team record. He continued to excel in the subsequent seasons, netting 40 and 45 goals, respectively. However, his time with the Rangers ended when he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 21, 1994, for Glenn Anderson, just before the playoffs. This trade cost Gartner the opportunity to pursue a Stanley Cup with New York.
Gartner was a model of consistency throughout his career, scoring at least 30 goals in each of his first 17 full NHL seasons, excluding the lockout-shortened 1994-95 season. He retired after the 1997-98 season, concluding a distinguished 19-year career with 1,335 points (708 goals and 627 assists) in 1,432 games, alongside 43 goals and 93 points in 122 playoff games. He was also named to the NHL 100 Greatest Players list in 2017.
Gartner’s leadership extended beyond his playing career. He served as president of the NHL Players’ Association from 1996 until his retirement, represented the NHLPA on the Hockey Hall of Fame board of directors from 2006 to 2009, and was the association’s director of business relations.
Lanny McDonald, who will be stepping down as the chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2025, praised Gartner’s appointment, stating, “I am thrilled to pass the torch to Mike, whose stature as an honored member will bring continuity and strong leadership during this transitional period for the Hockey Hall of Fame. His experience and perspective in the business of hockey and longtime service on the selection committee will be a tremendous asset to the Board.”
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