It was bound to happen. Mark Messier wasn’t going to stay away from hockey for too long and he even hinted at it in this recent interview conducted by WatchMojo:
More info from the BostonHerald.com:
….In February 2007, Messier said publicly that he was discussing a front-office job with the club, although Sather — who served as either coach or general manager of the Edmonton Oilers when Messier won five Cups — denied that he was ready to step down, saying that Messier would be better served by working his way up the ladder.
Now, at 48, the timing is right for Messier and don’t dismiss the possibility that he emerges as the next GM if Sather, 65, eventually steps aside and remains president of the franchise.
“I kind of felt that five years would give me enough of a chance to see the kids grow,” Messier said in a phone interview last night, referring to his last NHL season in 2004. “So now that Glen has invited me, I’m going in with an open mind . .. I’ll be pulling the oars. There’s really nothing solid, but I’m all in. I’ll be at Traverse City (a Michigan prospects tournament in early September) and then training camp.”
Messier — whose No. 11 was retired and raised to the Madison Square Garden rafters Jan. 12, 2006 — will initially familiarize himself with the organization, starting with Rangers prospects and minor-leaguers.
“I am looking forward to … having the opportunity to learn a new part of the business, working closely with Glen,” Messier said in a statement. “I have felt a strong connection to the Rangers, Madison Square Garden and the city of New York from the moment I arrived in 1991. I am honored to begin this new chapter of my career here.”
Sister-site WatchMojo.com got the chance to interview an NHL legend in Mark Messier. Here is the video:
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