New York Rangers GM Glen Sather Could Be Stepping Down

After 16 seasons with the New York Rangers, could GM Glen Sather be stepping down?

New York Rangers‘ President and General Manager, Glen Sather, may be stepping down from the GM position, a seat that he has been held for the past 16 seasons with the Rangers.

When Sather, 71, was asked by the New York Post if he had made a decision on if he was going to step down, he told the Post, “Sorry, I don’t have anything to tell you.”

At this point in time, it’s still up in the air. If Sather does decide on stepping down from the GM position he currently has, he’ll likely take the sole role of the Presidency, and assistant GM Jeff Gorton would be the most likely first choice as the new GM.

More from Rangers News

• Blake Wheeler’s Broadway Calling: Why He Chose the Rangers
• Rangers’ Playoff Redemption Recipe: Grit and Fresh Hopes
• Brennan Othmann and Will Cuylle Set to Shine in the NHLPA Rookie Showcase
• Chris Kreider has had quite the Summer
• Andy Hosler Takes Helm as Head Athletic Trainer for the New York Rangers, Succeeding Jim Ramsay

Since the 2005-2006 season, the Rangers have made the playoffs nine out of 10 times, as well as going to the Eastern Conference Finals three times in the last four seasons. You can also add one Stanley Cup Final apparence in 2014 to the list as well.

Sather and the Rangers may have dug themselves a big hole over the past few years. Trades bringing a few big name players to the Rangers – forwards Martin St. Louis and Rick Nash and defenseman Keith Yandle – have taken away first round draft picks untill next year’s draft.

Although Sather hasn’t proven to be the Coach/GM that he was when he was with the Edmonton Oilers, Sather has taken a team to some big places in the past few years.

New York Rangers

I’m not just talking about making it to the playoffs, I’m talking about winning the President’s Trophy for the league’s number one team in points during the regular season, a Eastern Conference Championship, and a Stanley Cup Final appearence. It may not be the very results that the fans want, but it’s all building blocks.

Think of Cam Talbot, for example. The Blueshirts signed Talbot on March 30th, 2010. Playing a majority of his time in the AHL with the Connecticut Whale, now the Hartford Wolfpack, Talbot had some shakey numbers. But when he made his NHL debut in the 2013-2014 season he proved many wrong.

In only his second game in the NHL, Talbot earned his first win. And this season, with Lundqvist being sidelined with the vascular injury, Talbot stepped up huge for the Rangers, perhaps even saving the season. Talbot is a perfect example of smart drafting/signing. You could also look at Derick Brassard, Ryan McDonagh, and Derek Stepan.

If Sather can remain smart about what he does with the club, I think the Rangers will be deadly next year, perhaps even more than this year. Sather may not be what he was with Edmonton, but he has done something special with this team and watching the Rangers play is always very exciting.

Next: Why the 2014-15 Season Wasn't a Complete Failure

More from Blue Line Station

• Blake Wheeler’s Broadway Calling: Why He Chose the Rangers
• Rangers’ Playoff Redemption Recipe: Grit and Fresh Hopes
• Rangers’ Roster Chatter: Who’s Making the Cut and Who’s in the Penalty Box?
• Jacque Plante Trade Tree Between the Rangers and Canadiens
• These Rangers must learn Peter Laviolette’s ropes before they can fly