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| | Monday, July 10 Low expected to become N.Y. coach | |||||
| ESPN.com news services NEW YORK -- Rangers general manager Glen Sather is expected to speak again to Mike Keenan about the team's coaching vacancy, the New York Times reported in its Tuesday editions. But the conversation is believed to be a formality. Ron Low, the 50-year-old former coach of the Edmonton Oilers, should be announced as the Rangers' coach before week's end, two league officials told the Times. Sather said he spoke with Keenan last week and that former Buffalo Sabres coach Ted Nolan has also expressed interest. "There's nobody under contract and I'm still talking to people," Sather said. He added that he could have his new coach in place this week. The Rangers are working to replace the fired John Muckler. On the free agent front, Sather said he's looking at several big-name players, including former Oiler and Ranger Mark Messier and forward Claude Lemieux. "At this time, I have a strong interest" in Lemieux, Sather said. "I've always had a strong interest in Messier. We have an opportunity to sign ... them, but I don't know if we can. It'll depend on the money." Keenan coached the Rangers to the Stanley Cup in 1994, and his top player on that team was Messier. Asked what the Rangers need to get back into the playoffs after missing them for three straight seasons, Sather said "a lot more grit on the team and people that can move the puck better." In Vancouver, British Columbia, Canucks general manager Brian Burke isn't convinced Messier-to-New York is a done deal. "I don't think it is as imminent as some of you guys," Burke said, adding he wouldn't be surprised, though, if Messier left Vancouver. "We have made it clear what our level of interest is. We want him back." Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. | ALSO SEE Canucks cut Messier loose with $2 million payday Report: Rangers will name Low head coach | |||||