Glen Sather’s Rangers legacy includes a Stanley Cup, but as Oilers GM
Glen Sather is stepping down as the Rangers President. Earlier reports have now been confirmed by Larry Brooks of the NY POST, and it will be made official upon the hiring of Sather’s replacement this summer.
The Elusive Cup
Glen Sather was brought in 19 years ago to return the Rangers back to Stanley Cup glory. Sadly, his tenure got off to a rocky start and things were compounded by bad hirings and signings. Yes, I know you remember the hiring of Bryan Trottier, Ron Low, and John Muckler. Just like you can’t forget giving 3rd line center, Bobby Holik $9M a season.
Oddly enough, it was when the salary cap kicked in that Sather returned to his roots and started building a team that eventually made it to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014. It stands as Sather’s biggest regret, as he told Larry Brooks today.
“I certainly would have been happier about it if we’d won the Stanley Cup,” Sather told The Post Thursday afternoon at the practice facility after informing the team of his decision to step back into a senior advisory role. “We had the opportunity to do it, but those three overtime losses in the final in LA…that’s the biggest regret.”
Sather via NYPOST
Instrumental in 1994
While Sather failed to bring a Cup to MSG under his watch, he played a large role in helping shape the 1994 team. Back in 1992, Mark Messier was ready to leave Edmonton for a bigger challenge. It was Glen Sather who told then Rangers GM Neil Smith, “If you want to win the Stanley Cup, Mark is who you need.
The two GM’s would continue to deal and the likes of Esa Tikkanen, Kevin Lowe, Jeff Beukeboom, and Craig MacTavish would all make their way to Broadway via Alberta. Just a reminder that Adam Graves signed as free agent before Messier got here, and Glenn Anderson came via a deal with Toronto.
So intentionally or unintentionally Glen Sather played a prominent role in that 1994 Championship. When you look at his time going as far back to his playing days as a Rangers defenseman, you have to admit that Sather made a huge impact on the franchise.
An impressive legacy
His legacy with the Rangers is impressive. While his name won’t evoke the same sentiments as Lester Patrick or Emile Francis, you can’t deny his impact over a long period of time. And if this current team wins the Cup, he will get some credit for it and find his name continue to elevate in Rangers folklore.
Thank you Glen Sather.
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