Former NHL Veteran Dies At 72

Former NHLer Gene Carr has died St the age of 72. The NHL Alumni Association confirmed Carr's passing. The Los Angeles Kings, who Carr played a majority of his career with.

Carr played 9 NHL seasons between 1971-79, including parts of 5 with the Kings from 1973-78. A junior star with the Flin Flon Bombers, Carr was selected 4th Overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 1971 NHL Entry Draft. Carr would play just 15 Games for St. Louis before being traded to the New York Rangers. After his tenure with the Kings, Carr would spend 2 more seasons with Pittsburgh & Atlanta.

Known for his long blond hair and embrace of the L.A. lifestyle, Carr gained popularity outside of Hockey. Perhaps his most well-known feat of recognition, one most wouldn't realize, is a song released by 70s Rock legends 'The Eagles'. Carr, an early fan of the group, and is believed to be the inspiration for their song 'The New Kid In Town', the first single from their album 'Hotel California', one of the best-selling albums of all time.

Gene Carr's father, Red, was also a Hockey player, and suited up in 5 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1943-44 season. In 465 NHL Games, Carr had a career 79 Goals, 136 Assists & 215 Points. He had a career high 39 Points in the 1974-75 season with Los Angeles.