|
Getting more than $10 million to ride into retirement in a city where you're beloved is a pretty good gig if you can get it.
| |  | | | Messier |
But let's take a closer look at the return of Mark Messier to New York, and then ESPN.com users will get the opportunity to give their take on the bold move by new general manager Glen Sather.
Pro
Great PR move: Messier is the No. 1 symbol of Rangers greatness, stemming from his leadership during the 1994 Stanley Cup run. He guaranteed a win in the conference finals against the rival New Jersey Devils and delivered with a hat trick, including a game-sealing empty-net goal -- then the Rangers won a great series against (ahem!) the Vancouver Canucks. Rangers fans love him, and 1994 gave him legend status. Regardless of wins and losses, fans are suddenly excited, and that's a good thing for the organization.
Pressure's off Theo: A year ago, Theo Fleury took the money and ran to New York. Things didn't work out too well for either party. Fleury scored a paltry 15 goals -- his worst output since his rookie season in '88-89 -- and the Rangers failed to make the playoffs, once again. Now, Fleury won't be front-page news or the team's No. 1 interview request. This, along with what should be a more up-tempo style, should free up Fleury and allow him to regain the touch that got him 93 points just two seasons ago.
Leadership: Everyone in the Rangers locker room respects Adam Graves, and if Graves outwardly and unabashedly admires Messier, it's doubtful Messier's leadership will be questioned. Then, there's Messier himself. He's intense, especially about winning. If the coaching staff doesn't put the kabosh on any listless play, you can bet Messier will. In addition, a large amount of pressure will be taken off Brian Leetch, who didn't seem entirely comfortable in the role of captain, which Messier will now assume.
Center of Attention: With Messier, the Rangers are strong up the middle. He joins Petr Nedved, Mike York and Tim Taylor as the team's centers, which provides a balance of scoring and age with Nedved and York, to go along with Taylor, one of the best defensive centers in the league. Messier will help York, who scored 26 goals as a rookie, progress even more as a player.
Con
Long in the tooth: Messier is 39 years old, and although it cannot be doubted that he remains a legitimate NHL star, he isn't the same player he was when last in New York. He looks to be a step slower and a bit more prone to injury. With four legitimate NHL centers on the roster, Messier might not be the No. 1 guy. Can he handle that? There is a chance he can't, and perhaps he commands -- or demands -- more ice time. That could negatively affect the team on the ice and create a little uneasiness in the locker room.
The Nedved factor: By most accounts, Messier didn't think a whole lot of Nedved in '94-95, and that might have been a major reason Nedved was traded. Will it be different this time? Let's hope so. Nedved might not be a superstar, but he possesses great skills and is always a threat on the ice. The Rangers not only need him on the team, but also need to keep him comfortable and happy.
Overall, outside of overpaying for Messier, this move certainly looks positive. The sad element of it all, is that if Messier never left -- why did he in the first place? -- Wayne Gretzky might still be playing in the NHL. Think about it. If Messier stays, and former GM Neil Smith had the deftness to land Pavel Bure, the Rangers would have been formidable the last two seasons.
And don't think the Rangers are done making moves. The team isn't getting any younger with the addition of Messier and Vladimir Malakhov, and players with the names Alexei Yashin, Eric Lindros and Claude Lemieux remain possibilities. If any of those three come to New York, even the Rangers will have to dump some salary.
Now, let us know how you feel about Messier's return to Broadway. We will take the best responses and post them.
| |
|
Messier the motivator
