So, Messier does not want to leave New York.

Isn't that a loyal gesture - the Captain going down the ship?
It brings a tear to the eye ... or perhaps not.

Let's review.

History

Some scribes have taken great pains to explain that Messier has
never been traded as a playoff rental.

Of course, Messier has left his Captaincy behind for teams that
offer more money in the offseason.

His first entrance to New York was motivated by money - the
Oilers couldn't afford him, while the brights lights of NY could.

And who will forget when Neil Smith "lowballed" him with the same
salary that Gretzky took to play alongside him as a free agent,
which prompted Messier to take a million more per season in Vancouver.

After the 'Nucks indicated they wanted to re-sign him at a reduced
salary, Messier jilted them and came back to the dollars of MSG.

Maybe this was glossed over in the early-mid-90's when he was winning
Cups, but ten years later it's worth noting. Heck, seven years as
Captain of teams that don't make the playoffs should at least bring
some questions.

Hilton Head

Also lost in the rebuilding process was Messier's declaration that
he would not decide his future until he took time off after the
season.

You know the drill - Messier goes fishing until August, where his
team's GM is left unaware whether Mark plans to join the team.

The GM is on the phone July 1, trying to determine if he needs
to go after a new centerman now that free agency begins? Screw it,
Messier is fishing.

The GM is sending faxes because potential coaches want to know if
Messier plans to return? Bah, a "Friends" rerun is on.

New York, It's a Helluva Town

Allow this cynical writer a turn to try a different spin.

If Messier is seriously considering a return to the NHL after this
season, there is only one team in the NHL that would not only pay
him more than he's worth, but also let him fish in Hilton Head until
August before he makes that decision.

More, there is only one general manager who would be willing to
let that scenario play out.

And, lucky for him, the general manager (Sather) resides in the city
(New York).

So by staying in New York, rather than leaving for a playoff team
like Detroit, Messier is keeping his future open.

Because if he leaves, the chance that he will be able to rest on
a boat knowing a roster spot is assured diminishes.

Rebuilding Means Rebuilding

A few players with leadership qualities have been, and will be,
moved before Tuesday.

Some will be sorely missed - Leetch, Simon and Barnaby (if dealt),
chief among them.

But rebuilding means exactly that; it's not a remodeling job.
When respected hockey minds shrug their shoulders at why the Rangers
have been so poor, you need a do-over.

Trade Him!

So if Sather truly wants to rebuild the Rangers and earn this
writer's complete respect, then he needs to trade Messier.

There is no excuse to not do so.

If you cite fan allegiance, then why trade Brian Leetch, especially
when Leetch didn't run off to greener pastures when given the
chance?

If you cite leadership, then why deal leaders like Leetch and
(probably) Barnaby?

If you cite the lack of a return, then why deal a guy like Simon
by explaining that he can be brought back over the summer, while
Messier can do the same as a ufa?

This "free ride" crap is the root of this team's demise. And now that
a sweeping rebuilding is on the way, it needs to include Messier.

I'm trying hard not to rant about Messier because that is counter-
productive. If you like him, fine.

But in a rebuilding process that places everyone on the block,
then Messier should be no different.

And if the Red Wings offer a draft choice or mid-level prospect
for him, then Sather needs to take it.

-Gabe

Recent Articles Road Trip Pics

Web Hockeybird.com