Messier, 64, will serve as Senior Advisor and Coaching Consultant, working closely with the head coach and player development teams. He’s expected to mentor young forwards, help guide leadership in the locker room, and advise on team strategy.
> “This is home,” Messier said at today’s press conference, standing at center ice in the world’s most famous arena. “The Rangers gave me some of the greatest moments of my life. I’m thrilled to be back in this building, working to bring the Cup back to New York.”
Team President Chris Drury praised the move, calling Messier “one of the greatest leaders in NHL history” and saying his experience would be “invaluable to our players.”
Fans immediately flooded social media with tributes, videos of Messier’s famous Game 6 guarantee and hat trick against the Devils in 1994, and speculation that his leadership will reignite the Rangers’ championship hopes.
Messier’s hiring is the latest in a series of moves aimed at recapturing the franchise’s winning tradition, with the team pledging to invest in both veteran leadership and young talent.
The Rangers will formally introduce Messier in a special pregame ceremony next week at Madison Square Garden, where he’s sure to receive another thunderous ovation from the Blueshirt faithful.
