Messier Identifies Key Issues Facing Rangers After Disappointing Season

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Mark Messier, a Hall of Fame NHL player and current analyst for ESPN, has shared his insights on the New York Rangers‘ struggles this season. Following a disappointing loss against the Carolina Hurricanes, which left the Rangers on the brink of playoff elimination, Messier believes there are crucial changes needed as the team prepares for the offseason.

The Rangers, who entered the weekend with slim hopes of participating in the postseason, experienced a lackluster 7-3 defeat to the Hurricanes on Saturday. During the ABC broadcast, Messier highlighted the need for internal adjustments to restore the positive team spirit he felt was missing this year. He commented, “When everyone’s talking about tearing this up here, they just did that. They’re not that far off. But they have some things to fix internally to get that spirit that was so prevalent in the team last year. The spirit was missing this year for whatever reason.”

Adding to Messier’s points, ice-side reporter Leah Hextall noted the subdued atmosphere near the Rangers bench. “It’s very quiet down here on the Rangers bench, almost church-like — Peter Laviolette, I haven’t seen him say more than, probably, two words,” she reported. Such observations reflect the team’s apparent struggles with energy and enthusiasm as they faced crucial moments.

Questions surrounding the team’s morale this season have sparked discussions about general manager Chris Drury’s handling of roster moves, including the trading of respected players like Barclay Goodrow and Jacob Trouba. Some speculate whether these decisions have impacted the team’s cohesion. Messier acknowledged his outside perspective, stating, “I’m not inside the locker room.”

PK Subban, another analyst during the broadcast, addressed the cultural factors contributing to the Rangers’ current situation. “On the energy, the attitude, the culture piece, that’s all got to get figured out. Some of it is on management and the organization. Some of it’s got to be on the locker room with some of the in that room,” he explained. Subban emphasized the urgency for players to demonstrate commitment and energy, especially with their season on the line, adding, “You’re playing for the New York Rangers, Original 6 franchise. It’s got to show in the energy.”

As the offseason approaches, Messier posited that addressing the leadership vacuum on the team should be the top priority. He emphasized the importance of appointing a new captain — a role formerly held by Trouba, who was traded mid-season. “The No. 1 thing they need to think about is identifying a captain and a leader,” Messier said. “Identifying a captain and a leader is a must.” Historical context underlines the importance of this role; Messier highlighted that the last time a team won the Stanley Cup without a captain was in 1971.

Regardless of player personnel changes in management or coaching, Messier stressed that a singular focus on establishing leadership is paramount. “I don’t care about the personnel right now… until [the leader] is in place, no matter who’s in the lineup, that’s got to be fixed first,” he noted. “Who’s your leader? That’s all we’ve got to think about.”