The impact of Glen Sather's retirement for the Rangers.
When Glen Sather retired from his "advisory" role with the Rangers earlier this year, his departure was greeted with mixed emotions.
Some believed he delivered good advice to his pal – and employer – Jim Dolan. Others insisted that – over the years – Slats did more harm than good.
One longtime Rangers observer, my pal Jess Rubenstein, is not pleased with post-Sather decision-making.
Rubenstein, who lives in Vancouver, Washington – across the river from Portland, Oregon – tells me that Chris Drury has rid the general staff of "just about everyone who was connected with Sather."
Checking out 2025 NHL Draft prospects, Jess is unimpressed.
Rubenstein: "The Rangers already have given away their 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th round picks. They get back a 5th round pick from Minnesota, and have their 6th and 7th. This is like the Neil Smith days when he kept giving away the youth. The Rangers still haven't realized that Drury is not as good a GM as they thought he was."
As for the ongoing fuss about the upcoming Igor Shesterkin contract, Jess puts it this way: "I don't like the idea of giving him an eight-year, $96 million pact. But if they don't, they will be spending the next five years missing the playoffs."
And, finally, The Breadman: "Just wait until Panarin is due for a new contract after next season!"
Postscript regarding the Rangers no-longer-full-time goalie coach, Benny Allaire: "All the best Allaire disciples are working for anyone but the Rangers!"