Skip navigation
Site powered by
Latest news:
msnbc.com: Top msnbc.com headlines: Mickelson a marvel at Pebble Beach, while Tiger tumbles

Messier returns to Rangers as assistant to GM

Long-time N.Y. captain has said in past he wants to work in front office

Image: Mark MessierAP
Mark Messier, a six-time Cup champion as a player, has not been shy in recent years about his desire to eventually run a team as GM.

NEW YORK - The Captain is back with the New York Rangers.

Mark Messier, who in 1994 led the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup title in 54 years, is returning to the club as a special assistant to general manager Glen Sather, the club said Sunday. Messier, a six-time Cup champion as a player, has not been shy in recent years about his desire to eventually run a team as GM.

This could be the first step in the process that might lead Messier replacing Sather when the current GM’s tenure with the Rangers is over.

In a statement, Sather called Messier one of the greatest players in the NHL and is “looking forward to him joining the organization and learning a whole new part of the hockey business.”

Messier played his final game with the Rangers on March 31, 2004 — during his second stint with the team — and scored his 694th goal. He officially announced his retirement on Sept. 12, 2005, after the yearlong NHL lockout.

His Rangers’ No. 11 was retired by the team and raised to the Madison Square Garden rafters in January 2006.

Messier expressed some interest in the job of New York’s assistant general manager after Don Maloney left to become the GM of the Phoeniz Coyotes in May 2007, but didn’t return to the Rangers then.

“I am looking forward to joining the Rangers organization and having the opportunity to learn a new part of the business, working closely with Glen,” Messier said in a statement. “I have felt a strong connection to the Rangers, Madison Square Garden and the city of New York from the moment I arrived in 1991. I am honored to begin this new chapter of my career here.”

The 16-time NHL All-Star came to New York on Oct. 4, 1991, in a blockbuster trade with the Edmonton Oilers — where Sather served as Messier’s coach and GM. Messier was named Rangers captain in his first home game three days later after making his debut with the team on Oct. 5.

The Rangers posted the NHL’s best record in Messier’s first season when he had a team-high 107 points and won the Hart Trophy for the second time as league MVP.

During the Rangers’ run to the 1994 Stanley Cup title, Messiers set a team-playoff record with 12 goals — including the Cup winner in Game 7 against Vancouver.

Messier ranks second behind longtime teammate Wayne Gretzky on the NHL career scoring list with 1,887 points. He is seventh in goals and third in assists (1,193).

Messier was the first player to captain two franchises to the Stanley Cup, first leading the Oilers to the title in 1990.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

advertisement
More news
Washington Capitals v New York Rangers
NHLI via Getty Images
Rangers extend lead in East

Ryan Callahan scored for the fifth time in four days and defenseman Ryan McDonagh snapped a second-period tie to lift the New York Rangers to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Sunday.

Washington Capitals v New York Rangers
NBC Sports
Highlights: Capitals - Rangers

  Check out highlights from the Rangers 3-2 win over the Capitals.

Video: NHL from NBC Sports
Washington Capitals v New York Rangers
NHLI via Getty Images
Highlights: Capitals - Rangers
Check out highlights from the Rangers 3-2 win over the Capitals.

Slideshow
Image: Chicago Blackhawks Marian Hossa of Team Chara celebrates his goal with New York Rangers Marion Gaborik during the NHL All-Star hockey game in Ottawa
  NHL All-Stars
Take a look at the players who competed in Team Chara's 12-9 victory over Team Alfredsson.

more photos

Slideshow
Image: Stanley Cup Finals - Pittsburgh Penguins v Detroit Red Wings - Game Seven
  Sid the Kid
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has gone from phenom to Stanley Cup champion.

more photos

Slideshow
Image: Washington Capitals Ovechkin celebrates his goal against the Montreal Canadiens during Game 5 in Washington
  Alexander the Great
Take a look at Capitals star and two-time MVP Alexander Ovechkin

more photos

Slideshow
Pamela Anderson
  Celebrity fans
Some of Hollywood's hottest celebrities take in NHL games.
Slideshow
Colorado Avalanche v Anaheim Ducks
  Icy Hot
Check out the ice girls from around the National Hockey League.

more photos

Slideshow
Image: Snee, 8, son of New York Giants player Chris Snee and head coach Coughlin's grandson plays in the confetti after the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis
  The Week in Sports Pictures
The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more.

more photos