Terry Sawchuk had a long and storied NHL career, and was in his final stages when he joined the Rangers.  Following the conclusion of the season, he and fellow Ranger Ron Stewart had been drinking and got into an argument over who was responsible for their rent which lead to a physical altercation and Sawchuk ending up in hospital with severe internal injuries.

While Sawchuk declined to point the finger at Stewart, telling authorities that he accepted full responsibility for the injuries.  With his gall bladder removed, hospital staff struggled to stop his liver from bleeding, failing on two occasions.  On Sunday May 31st Sawchuk finally lost the battle, succombing to a pulmonary embolism.