Mark Messier, 42 years old, is 6 points away from passing Gordie Howe in all time NHL scoring. For the second time, in an inappropriate way, the Rangers trade Messier's rights. Even though Messier was probably playing third and fourth line for most of the year, he managed at 42 years young to post numbers almost as good as 30-something Eric Lindros, the former "next Gretzky".
Messier had 18 goals and 22 assists vs. Lindros' 19 goals and 34 assists. He's clearly hanging on so he can pass Gordie Howe in all-time points. He brought NY it's first Stanley Cup in half a decade.
The loss of his presence after the first trade was the beginning of a very long decline for the Rangers. For years now, they had an amazing team on paper, the highest payroll in the league yet the last time they made the playoffs was before the first trade of Messier, losing ironically to Lindros and the Phillies.
They should have had the class to hold on to him, allow him to reach his milestone and retire gloriously in New York where he is loved. Maybe he still will and this trade was only a weird formality. Time will tell. But having watched the Rangers for years, I expect them to keep going nowhere until there is some different management. I know sports is a big business. But not only does management have no class, but they also have not been managing the team too well business-wise.
