BREAKING NEWS: Excitement Hit Great Madison Square Garden stadium as former New York Rangers legend Player Mark Messier has Returned to former team as a Senior Coaching Staff To….…see more

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the hockey world, the New York Rangers have officially welcomed back one of their most iconic figures. Former team captain and NHL Hall of Famer Mark Messier has returned to Madison Square Garden — this time not as a player, but as a Senior Coaching Staff Advisor, marking a powerful new chapter in the franchise’s pursuit of another Stanley Cup title.

The announcement came earlier today during a surprise press conference at the Garden, where Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury introduced Messier alongside Head Coach Peter Laviolette. The news was met with thunderous applause from fans, media, and former teammates alike.

“This is home,” Messier said with emotion. “New York has always been part of me. I’ve been waiting for the right time and the right way to return, and this feels exactly right.”

Messier, often hailed as one of the greatest leaders in sports history, captained the Rangers to their historic 1994 Stanley Cup win — ending a 54-year championship drought. His return is expected to boost not only the morale of the current roster but also to serve as a mentorship cornerstone for the team’s young core, including stars like Alexis Lafrenière and K’Andre Miller.

What His Role Will Entail

As Senior Coaching Staff Advisor, Messier will work closely with both the coaching and player development teams. His focus will be on leadership development, performance strategy, and instilling a championship mindset — something the six-time Stanley Cup champion knows better than almost anyone.

Drury emphasized, “Mark brings an unmatched perspective on what it takes to win — and not just once, but consistently. Having him behind the scenes, working with our players day in and day out, is invaluable.”

Fan Reactions

Social media erupted with joy within minutes of the news breaking, with #MessierReturns trending across platforms. Thousands of fans flooded the team’s official pages with messages of support and nostalgia, some recalling watching Messier’s legendary Game 6 guarantee and hat trick from 1994.

Longtime Rangers fan Ellen Travers tweeted:

“This is the best news in years! If anyone can help bring another Cup to MSG, it’s Mark Messier.”

What’s Next for the Rangers?

With the 2025–26 season just months away, Messier’s addition comes at a critical time. The Rangers have made the playoffs consistently in recent years but haven’t been able to break through to the Finals. Many see this move as a signal that the organization is going “all-in” to make another serious title run.

As Messier himself put it today: