Since 1984, the voice of the New York Rangers remained phenomenal. But, now it’s time! Sam Rosen has closed his final curtain call on his legendary broadcasting career. And the Rangers play-by-play voice will soon reunite with his longtime broadcast partner—John Davidson! Well, four decades is a long time, and now suddenly leaving the legacy behind for the Rangers feels like an emptiness to all those thrilling moments fueled with his signature calls and unwavering passion.

It is going to be an irreplaceable void in the Rangers’ broadcast booth, but there is something special around. Both Rosen and Davidson are going to reunite for one last ride for the Rangers’ matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers on April 9.  Just like the fans and spectators, moments of nostalgia and emotions have also hit some of the NHL players. And they are expressing their emotions in a variety of ways.

But for Mats Zuccarello, it was more! The Minnesota Wild star, who previously glittered for the Rangers, pulled out a No. 40 jersey over his shoulders just when the waves of nostalgia washed over him! It was Vince Z. Mercogliano, the Rangers’ reporter, who revealed the news on X. “Very cool gesture from former #NYR forward and current #mnwild Mats Zuccarello, who’s wearing a No. 40 jersey with the last name “Rosen” for warmups to honor our guy Sam before his retirement,” his post read and summed it all up!

It was quite a powerful nod when Zuccarello skated around the rink, the name “Rosen” and No. 40 emblazoned on his Wild jersey. Call it one of the greatest moments in hockey! “I spent some time with him, around him. For me, it’s a thank you to a special friend to have, the last game he’s probably going to commentate for me. I think it’s a nice token, respect from the team. And, wish him good luck,” Zuccarello said after the game. Not only this, after the warmups, all the Wilds signed the jersey, while the general manager, Bill Guerin, gifted it to Rosen! Now that’s purely like sealing memories of love and gratitude, right?

Well, having spent nine of his 15 NHL seasons with the Rangers, Zuccarello knew firsthand what Rosen meant for New York and the Rangers. After all, the kind of voice the Rangers had—powerful yet energetic—it wasn’t just Zuccarello, but many across the league found their own ways to honor the legendary broadcaster. Heartfelt messages, signed jerseys, or just simple words of appreciation—the hockey community was together to celebrate the New York voice.

Yet another tribute for Sam Rosen

It was Rick Nash, a former player for the Rangers, who made sure that Rosen remembers his final game forever! And right before the Rangers faced the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nash, now the Blue Jackets’ director, presented Rosen a signed No. 61 jersey! But what was the message behind it?

Well, a simple yet heartwarming note followed with Nash writing, “To Sam: Congratulations on a great career! It was an honor to have you call my games!” While the two shared their precious time in the press box, the moment was sealed with exchanging smiles and words of appreciation. One being a former Rangers star, and the other? Well, the voice that narrated the Rangers’ thrilling journey in the league! And for Rosen, he couldn’t wait but to hold the journey and express, “That will be framed and going in a special place.” A precious celebration of a connection that spanned years of hockey history.

Sam Rosen’s voice had been the heartbeat of Rangers hockey. With capturing the intensity and the triumphs, the heartbreaks too, were expressed with unmatched passion! Now the departure indeed marks the end of an era, but the legacy leaves behind an undeniable mark in the broadcasting world. Whether it’s the players like Nash and Zuccarello or generations of fans, Rosen’s calls are going to echo beyond just his final game!