After countless rumors about longtime New York Rangers General Manager Glen Sather stepping down from his role in the Blueshirts’ front office and remaining President of the team, the time has finally come. Jeff Gorton will be the 11th General Manager in the teams history as Glen Sather passes the torch.
OFFICIAL: Jeff Gorton has been named the 11th General Manager in #NYR franchise history. pic.twitter.com/nwE0Gy6Dpb
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 1, 2015
Glen Sather
Glen Sather has been an NHL General Manager since 1980 and has run the New York Rangers Hockey Club since 2000-2001. During his time as a General Manager, he picked up 5 Stanley Cup Championships with the Edmonton Oilers.
Under Sather’s command the Rangers made it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs 9 of the past 10 seasons; something only the Detroit Red Wings have done, going 10 for 10.
Sather is known for his hardball negotiation tactics that have landed him several highlight-reel trades including Jaromir Jagr, Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis.
"It has been a very enjoyable time." #NYR President Glen Sather on his experience as GM
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 1, 2015
Jeff Gorton
Prior to the end of the season, there was reported interest in Gorton from the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, who had GM vacancies, but the Rangers refused to let him be interviewed.
Gorton spent 15 years with the Bruins before joining the Rangers eight years ago. Jeff is notably responsible for acquiring Tukka Rask in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs, when he was an interim GM.
Gorton helped build the Bruins into a Stanley Cup champion, and aided in New York’s recent run of success.
“Jeff has been an integral part of our success since joining the Rangers, and he has earned the respect of colleagues throughout the hockey community,” said Sather, who has been both the Rangers’ president and GM since 2000. “He is well prepared for and extremely deserving of this opportunity.”
Jim Schoenfeld
The Rangers also announced that Jim Schoenfeld will be senior vice president and assistant GM. He will also be GM of the Hartford Wolf Pack, their American Hockey League affiliate.
“Jim has played a pivotal role in several areas during his tenure with the Rangers,” Sather said. “He is a valuable member of our staff and he will continue to benefit the organization at both the NHL and AHL levels.”
OFFICIAL: Jim Schoenfeld has been named SVP and Assistant GM and GM of the @WolfPackAHL. Glen Sather will retain his role as President. #NYR
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 1, 2015
Busy Day On Broadway
Aside from the major front office change, the Rangers Hockey Administration was hard at work making several key acquisitions and signings on day 1 of the free agency frenzy.
The New York Rangers have signed defenseman Raphael Diaz and forwards Jayson Megna, Matt Lindblad, Viktor Stalberg and Brian Gibbons as free agents.
Diaz, is returning for a second stint with the Rangers. He played 56 games with the Calgary Flames this past season, finishing with two goals and two assists.
Megna, is joining the Blueshirts after splitting his time with the Penguins and their AHL affiliate the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He contributed with 1 assist in 12 games with the Penguins and 26 goals and 13 assists in 63 games down in Scranton.
Lindblad, played in three NHL games with the Boston Bruins and 47 games with Providence this past season. He skated in 106 AHL games over parts of three seasons, registering 18 goals and 33 assists for 51 points.
Stalberg, has played in 338 NHL games over parts of six seasons with Toronto, Chicago, and Nashville, with 62 goals and 70 assists. He established career highs in games played (79), goals (22), assists (21), points (43), and game-winning goals (six) during the 2011-12 season with the Blackhawks. In addition, Stalberg has two goals and seven assists in 38 NHL playoff games, winning a Stanley Cup as a member of the Blackhawks in 2013.
Gibbons, split this past season between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Springfield Falcons. In 25 games with Columbus, Gibbons had five assists. He had three goals and eight assists with Springfield.
Gibbons has played in 66 NHL games over parts of two seasons with Pittsburgh and Columbus, with five goals and 17 assists.