Bobby Sheehan, a speedy forward who won a Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens and was instrumental in the New York Rangers' 1979 playoff run, has died at the age of 77. His passing was confirmed by the New York Rangers, who paid tribute to the former player.

Sheehan, a third-round pick by the Canadiens in 1969, played 310 NHL games across six teams and an additional 241 games in the World Hockey Association, where he scored 75 goals. Although he was part of the 1971 Canadiens team that won the Stanley Cup, he is perhaps best remembered for his contributions to the Rangers during the 1979 playoffs.

Called up from the AHL's New Haven Nighthawks for the 1978-79 season, Sheehan provided an offensive spark for the Rangers, playing alongside Ron Duguay. The Rangers advanced to the Stanley Cup Final that year, where they were ultimately defeated by the Canadiens in five games. During the 15 playoff games, Sheehan recorded four goals and three assists.

"He was just that shot in the arm, that energy, that speed he brought," former Rangers forward Don Maloney told The Athletic in 2018. "All of a sudden, you throw him in the lineup and it just kind of opened up time and space for all of us. It was a great move, a great addition at that time. That speed was second to none back then. He had a really good run."

Sheehan began his professional career in the WHA with the New York Raiders in 1972, later playing for the New England Whalers and Edmonton Oilers. He returned to the NHL with Chicago and Detroit in the 1976-77 season, moving between the leagues before his notable playoff stint with the Rangers. He concluded his playing career with the AHL's Binghamton Whalers in 1982-83.

The Rangers issued a statement acknowledging Sheehan's passing: "We join the hockey community in mourning the loss of Bobby Sheehan, who played an integral role in helping the Rangers advance to the Stanley Cup Final in 1979. Our thoughts are with Bobby's family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time."

Sheehan's former Rangers teammate Ron Duguay died last month.