Former New York Rangers Goalie Passes Away at the Age of 77

Thomas, who became one of the best Wisconsin Badgers goaltenders in their school history, played in the NHL for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and New York Rangers during his career.

During his time with the Canadiens, he also helped the AHL affiliate Scotia Voyageurs, win the Calder Cup in 1972.

He would become the 10th goaltender in NHL history at the time to pitch a shutout in his NHL debut, and would win his first 7 starts on home ice for the Canadiens.

In 1975, the Canadiens traded Thomas to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he would become an All-Star in 1976.

He would later be claimed on waivers by the New York Rangers, playing backup to John Davidson.

When he retired, he had an NHL record of 103-93-34 with a 3.34 GAA and a .891 SV%.

He would later become one of the 1st NHL goaltending coaches in League history, serving in the role for the Rangers through 1985. Later, he became the head coach of the Rangers' IHL affiliate Salt Lake Golden Eagles, eventually winning Coach of the Year honors.

He returned to the NHL as an assistant coach with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1986, and later accepted a job as the head coach of the IHL's Peoria Rivermen, affiliated with the St. Louis Blues.

Thomas then accepted the role of assistant to the general manager and assistant coach of the San Jose Sharks, and would later serve as vice president and assistant general manager for the team until he retired in 2015.