Ron Duguay Dies at Age 69, Rangers Legend Played in 1979 Stanley Cup Final

Ron Duguay, a 12-year NHL veteran, has died at the age of 69.

The New York Rangers, Duguay's team for eight of his 12 seasons, issued a statement on Thursday morning.

Duguay revealed in February that had he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer that originated in his colon more than one year earlier.

Shay Thomas, Duguay's daughter, wrote an Instagram post in July revealing the cancer had spread to his liver and he was recovering after fainting at home due to extreme dehydration.

"It's with a shattered heart but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now," former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, who was dating Duguay, said on social media . "He fought so hard. Love never ends."

Duguay was selected with the No. 13 overall pick by the Rangers in the 1977 NHL amateur draft. He appeared in 70 games as a rookie, finishing with 40 points.

The Rangers made a run to the Stanley Cup Final during Duguay's second season in 1978-79. He had five goals and four assists in 18 appearances during that postseason run.

New York lost in the final to the Montreal Canadiens in five games. It was the franchise's first time reaching the Stanley Cup Final since 1972.

Duguay spent his first six seasons with the Rangers before being traded to the Detroit Red Wings before the 1983-84 campaign. He spent more than two seasons in Detroit, then was traded in 1986 to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Penguins subsequently traded Duguay back to the Rangers in January 1987. He remained with the club for parts of two seasons before joining the Los Angeles Kings late in the 1987-88 season.

Duguay finished his career with the Kings before retiring after the 1988-89 campaign. He racked up 274 goals and 346 assists in 864 games with four different teams.