Messier Takes Ranger Front-Office Job

[TrueBlueblood 0]

I didn't see this posted yet. Sorry if this is a repost.

MESSIER'S BACK!

CAPTAIN TAKES RANGERS FRONT-OFFICE JOB

The Captain is back.

As an apprentice.

Mark Messier is rejoining the Rangers' organization as special assistant to club president Glen Sather, The Post has learned. It will mark Messier's first job in hockey -- and first full-time job, period -- since he ended his playing career following the 2003-04 season.

"I couldn't be more thrilled with the opportunity to move back to New York with my family, to learn from Glen and to work for the Rangers," Messier said yesterday by phone from the Bahamas. "I'm going to come in and get my feet wet and get an overview of how the business runs and how the team runs and take it from there."

This move should not be interpreted as Sather hiring his successor. Messier is not the heir apparent. Rather, he is assuming the same type of apprentice position that contemporaries such as Steve Yzerman (Detroit), Cam Neely (Boston) and Al MacInnis (St. Louis) have assumed with their respective franchises.

"While I believe I have a lot to offer, I know I have a lot to learn about the management and business side of the sport," Messier said. "From the hockey side, I'm going to try and get a feel for the players we have under contract, the depth of our organization, the operation in [AHL] Hartford.

"I'll be going to Traverse City [Mich.] for the prospects tournament and then I'll be at camp, ready to do whatever Glen and the organization need from me, whether it's watching the Rangers or scouting other camps. I'm wide open and willing to do anything and everything."

Full Story

[wingfanatic4alltime 32]

I think its only a matter of time before he becomes GM of the Rangers

[Feldmarschall 9]

Good for Mess, good for the Rangers. Organizations that keep their stars even after retirement will stand to reap the benefits, even if these guys like Stevie and Mess don't make it as GMs someday. Hockey knowledge is hockey knowledge.