BREAKING NEWS: “I Am Coming Back to Revive the Team and See Us Win Again,” Says Mark Messier, as He Returns to New York Rangers as the New Bench Coach – Reported by NBC
In a monumental turn of events, Mark Messier, one of the greatest and most iconic players in NHL history, has announced his return to the New York Rangers in the role of bench coach. The move was confirmed earlier today by NBC Sports, sending shockwaves through the hockey world. Messier, who led the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years in 1994, is now back with the team, this time as a key member of the coaching staff, bringing his wealth of experience, leadership, and championship pedigree to a team in search of rejuvenation.
Messier’s announcement comes at a pivotal time for the Rangers, who have shown flashes of brilliance in recent seasons but have yet to reclaim the championship glory they once enjoyed under Messier’s leadership. His return has stirred up a whirlwind of excitement among Rangers fans, many of whom have longed for the team to return to its former greatness. Messier, ever the determined leader, has vowed to “revive the team and see us win again,” setting a bold vision for the future of the franchise.
1. A Surprising Return
Mark Messier’s return to the Rangers, nearly two decades after his departure as a player, is nothing short of astonishing. Known for his leadership on and off the ice, Messier’s legacy in New York is as strong as ever. His leadership and performance in the 1994 Stanley Cup run have earned him a place in the hearts of Rangers fans, and his number 11 jersey was retired by the team in 2006.
For Messier, however, his connection to the team has never truly faded. After retiring as a player in 2004, he maintained close ties with the Rangers organization, serving as an advisor and ambassador for the team. Despite his absence from coaching roles, Messier’s influence in the hockey world remained strong. His return to the team, especially in a coaching capacity, represents a new chapter for both the franchise and the Hall of Famer.
When asked about his decision to return, Messier expressed his excitement and commitment to bringing success back to the Rangers. “I’m coming back to revive the team and see us win again,” he said in an emotional press conference. “New York is my home, and the Rangers are my family. The players we have now, the leadership within the organization, are all pieces that can get us back to the top. My role is to help guide them, help them reach their full potential, and, most importantly, help them win.”
The timing of Messier’s announcement is significant, as the Rangers are coming off a period of competitive frustration. While they have seen flashes of brilliance, they have struggled to put together a consistent effort throughout an entire season. With Messier now back in the fold, the hope is that his leadership will provide the spark the team needs to push over the final hurdle.
2. Messier’s Legacy in New York
Mark Messier’s tenure with the Rangers remains one of the most memorable in the history of the franchise. He joined the team in 1991 after a long and successful stint with the Edmonton Oilers, where he won multiple Stanley Cups. When Messier arrived in New York, the Rangers were a team in need of a true leader to guide them back to championship contention.
Messier immediately brought his unmatched leadership qualities to the team, elevating the play of those around him. His presence on the ice was felt immediately, and his ability to perform under pressure became one of the defining features of his career. Perhaps the most iconic moment in his Rangers career came in the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals when he guaranteed a victory in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New Jersey Devils, only to deliver on that promise with a hat trick in a 4-0 victory. The Rangers would go on to win the Stanley Cup, defeating the Vancouver Canucks in seven games, ending a 54-year championship drought for the team.
Messier’s leadership was not just about on-ice performance, though. He was known for his ability to mentor younger players, set high standards for his teammates, and instill a culture of winning. His work ethic and mentality became the blueprint for success, and even after he left the ice, his impact on the team remained profound.
His return to the Rangers organization as a bench coach will surely be seen as an extension of the leadership he once provided on the ice. For younger players like Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, having Messier around could provide a vital boost in terms of their growth as leaders and competitors.
3. The Rangers’ Current State
The New York Rangers have undergone significant changes in recent years, with a blend of veteran leadership and promising young talent coming together to form a team with championship aspirations. The 2023-2024 season has seen the team’s potential on full display, as they’ve shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their offensive firepower and defensive capabilities. However, consistency remains a key issue for the team, as they have often struggled in key moments, whether it be in crucial games during the regular season or in the postseason itself.
Head coach Gerard Gallant, who took over the Rangers in 2021, has provided steady leadership, guiding the team to a solid foundation. Under Gallant, the Rangers have seen significant improvement in their overall play, but the question remains: can they take that final step towards competing for a Stanley Cup?
The addition of Messier to the coaching staff represents an effort to address that very issue. Known for his ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations, Messier’s expertise could prove invaluable in teaching the current Rangers roster how to handle the mental and emotional challenges that come with deep playoff runs. Gallant and Messier together will likely form a powerful partnership, combining Messier’s championship mentality with Gallant’s coaching acumen.
4. Messier’s Role as Bench Coach
Mark Messier’s specific role as bench coach will likely involve a mix of mentoring, strategy, and player development. While he will not be taking over the head coaching duties, Messier will bring his vast hockey IQ and leadership to the team, assisting Gallant in the day-to-day operations of coaching. His experience in high-stakes games, his understanding of what it takes to win championships, and his ability to inspire others will make him an invaluable asset to the Rangers’ coaching staff.
One of Messier’s key responsibilities will be to work closely with the team’s forwards, particularly in areas such as faceoffs, power play strategies, and maintaining a relentless work ethic. Messier was known for his prowess in the faceoff circle and his ability to control key moments of games, and he will pass on these skills to a young Rangers squad that is looking to gain an edge in tight games.
Additionally, Messier’s leadership will be crucial in helping players navigate the mental aspects of the game. The Rangers have a talented roster, but they will need to learn how to handle adversity, deal with pressure, and perform when the stakes are highest. Messier’s presence on the bench could help instill a culture of resilience, pushing the players to elevate their game when it matters most.
While Messier’s role is still being defined, one can expect him to be a vocal leader in the locker room, providing motivation and guidance to players and offering advice based on his decades of experience in the NHL.
5. Impact on Rangers Fans and the New York Market
The return of Mark Messier is as much about the fans as it is about the players. For Rangers fans, Messier represents the pinnacle of what it means to be a part of the franchise. His leadership, determination, and success are qualities that fans have come to expect from their team. The chance to see Messier back with the organization is a momentous occasion for a fanbase that has long cherished his contributions to the team.
Messier’s return will undoubtedly galvanize the fanbase, filling the stands at Madison Square Garden with a renewed sense of excitement and hope. For a team that has often been criticized for underperforming when expectations are high, having Messier on the bench offers a symbol of what could be, a reminder of past glory and a guide to future success. The fans will look to Messier to help inspire this current Rangers squad, instilling a culture of accountability and the will to win.
Additionally, the New York media will undoubtedly embrace Messier’s return, offering endless coverage and analysis of the team’s progress under his tutelage. As one of the most storied franchises in the NHL, the Rangers are no strangers to attention, and Messier’s presence will ensure that all eyes remain fixed on the team as they aim to recapture their championship form.
6. Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Rangers’ Future
The addition of Mark Messier to the coaching staff signals the Rangers’ commitment to returning to the top of the NHL. While the team has the talent to compete for a Stanley Cup, they need that final piece to push them over the edge. Messier’s leadership, combined with the team’s existing roster of stars, could be just what the Rangers need to make a deep playoff run.
Ultimately, Messier’s role as bench coach is not just about the X’s and O’s of hockey; it’s about bringing back the mentality of a champion to a franchise that has not won a Stanley Cup since 1994. His return is a powerful reminder of what the Rangers are capable of when they combine talent, leadership, and determination.
As Messier himself stated, “I’m coming back to revive the team and see us win again.” With Messier in the fold, the Rangers now have the leadership, experience, and hunger to achieve their ultimate goal: to bring another Stanley Cup to New York. The future looks brighter than ever for the Blueshirts, and with Messier back on the bench, they are ready to chase greatness once again.
