NHL Rangers President & GM Glen Sather on Friday acknowledged in an e-mail that he is "undecided about continuing his dual role," but that "doesn’t necessarily mean he will, in fact, step down as GM," according to Larry Brooks of the N.Y. POST. While Sather "could decide to give it another go directing the team he has built," it is "both newsworthy and noteworthy this is the first time Sather has acknowledged he is considering a change in his status." Previously, Sather has "responded unambiguously in refuting suggestions he would divest himself of the GM’s title and responsibilities." The decision "will be Sather’s alone," as he is "not being pushed" by MSG Chair and Rangers Owner James Dolan. While Dolan declined to comment Friday, he "often has acknowledged Sather is operating under a 'lifetime contract' as GM." If Sather "does indeed relinquish the GM post, assistant GM Jeff Gorton would be the overwhelming favorite to take over after serving the past four years" as Sather's "right-hand man." Sather this week "denied for a second time the Maple Leafs’ request to speak to Gorton about the club’s vacant GM position just as Sather denied the Bruins’ request to speak to Gorton about their since-filled vacancy." Gorton has "at least one more year remaining on his contract" (N.Y. POST, 6/6). In N.Y., Pat Leonard noted Gorton is "heavily involved in the Rangers’ daily operations, particularly on the contract negotiation end" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/6). ESPN.com's Katie Strang wrote the fact that Gorton has "been so sought after for management vacancies around the league is likely a factor in Sather's decision to contemplate stepping down." If Sather "abandons the position, it is unlikely he would leave the organization entirely." It is possible he could "retain his role as president but relinquish the day-to-day oversight" (ESPN.com, 6/6).
FAILURE TO LAUNCH: THE HOCKEY NEWS' Adam Proteau wrote the blueprint for success created by Sather has "failed in its ultimate goal, and once again, the Blueshirts' future has been mortgaged heavily in the pursuit of familiar marquee names that haven't delivered a championship." That itch Sather is "compelled to scratch -- that persistent urge to peel off pieces of the future in exchange for the services of veteran stars from other teams -- is the reason why he must step down as GM and give the reins over" to Gorton "as soon as possible." Sather’s more recent "penchant for trading first round picks" -- the Rangers have not had one since '12, and will not again until the '17 draft -- "isn’t in and of itself the last straw for the camel’s back." The evidence "against his continued stewardship has accumulated in the form of the constant parade of familiar names over the years he’s acquired en route to being regarded as the biggest gamer in the NHL trade market." Proteau: "At some point, you have to hold accountable the person who keeps the personnel carousel spinning, don’t you?" (THEHOCKEYNEWS.com, 6/7).
