Messier on Rangers coaching gig, future possibilities

The New York Post spoke with Rangers legend Mark Messier on a number of topics, including the team's chances in the playoffs.

Messier did not land the head coaching job of the Rangers last summer, but he's not bitter about it or the fact that Alain Vigneault got the gig.

“Not at all, not at all,” Messier said. “I was the one who asked the Rangers to make sure they go and do their due diligence and interview people and make sure they feel comfortable with the person they hire. So that’s what they did and they felt the direction they went was the better direction and I completely respect that.”

Messier is fully involved with the Kingsbridge National Ice Center in the Bronx, in addition to being a paid consultant for the Edmonton Oilers, and referenced the former when asked if he might want to pursue a coaching gig down the line.

“I see [Kingsbridge] as an unbelievable platform to grow the game of hockey and to help kids with new entry into the sport who never had the opportunity because of economics or just the sheer lack of ice in the New York area,” he said. “I’m completely committed for the next five years to make sure this happens and gives everybody a chance. So up until then, it’s hard to have those [coaching] conversations.”

Source: Brett Cyrgalis, New York Post