Former Captain Knows Why the Rangers Are Falling Apart

Former New York Rangers captain Mark Messier is not one to mince words. His latest comments on the state of his former team are worth considering by NHL fans. Speaking candidly about the Rangers’ recent struggles, Messier suggested that the team grapples with deeper issues than their on-ice performance. Drawing parallels to his experiences with the Edmonton Oilers during his storied career, he pointed to a fractured relationship between players, management, and coaches as a significant factor in their woes.

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“The Rangers’ Core Is Fractured,” Messier Believes

Messier’s assessment is that the Rangers might not be the “worst team in the NHL over the last six weeks,” but they sure are playing like it. He likened the team’s current situation to his experience in Edmonton when Wayne Gretzky was traded, emphasizing how losing a “brother” in the locker room can destabilize the entire organization.

The Trouba trade was a broken trust by the Rangers. Messier believes the Rangers’ struggles are rooted in a lack of confidence and loyalty between management, coaches, and players. He explained that success in hockey isn’t just about talent; it’s about connection and shared purpose. “The core is fractured,” Messier stated, emphasizing that even the most talented teams can’t succeed without strong internal relationships.

Messier believes that Trouba’s trade was a turning point. He highlighted the departure of Trouba, who was traded to the Anaheim Ducks, was a pivotal moment for the Rangers. While Trouba’s departure wasn’t as huge as Gretzky’s trade from Edmonton, Messier suggested that it could have had a similar emotional impact on the locker room. Trouba was seen as a cornerstone of the team’s past and future, and his absence may have contributed to the disconnect Messier describes.

Can the Rangers Overcome This Current Funk?

While the Rangers entered the season with high expectations, Messier argued that they no longer look like a championship-caliber team. He acknowledged their talent but emphasized that overcoming internal fractures requires significant effort. The team needs, more than anything, a renewed sense of loyalty and trust across the organization.

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Messier concluded on a cautiously optimistic note. He suggested that the Rangers are capable of turning things around, but it won’t be easy. Drawing on his experiences with the Oilers and Rangers, he noted that rebuilding trust and unity within an organization requires time and deliberate effort.

Messier Delivers a Scorching Analysis

Messier’s remarks provide an “inside” perspective on the Rangers’ recent struggles. While it’s easy to point to on-ice issues like scoring droughts or defensive lapses, his comments suggest that the real problems are off the ice. If Messier’s analysis is correct, the Rangers need more than a tactical reset. They’ll need to address the deeper cultural and organizational fractures that are holding them back.

I wonder what the over and under is on current GM Chris Drury keeping his job through the offseason. Given that his team isn’t halfway through the 2024-25 NHL season, the Rangers have reached a crossroads that could dictate the franchise’s direction for years. Something’s got to give unless the team suddenly begins to win games – and many of them in succession.

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